Having lately alluded to wordly transformation, it seems only fitting to use these last few days of Lent to discuss ecclesial renewal. This will have to take the place of my usual call for ecumenism, as social distancing has made the reconciliation of papists and Protestants unlikely in the short term, at least in a congregational sense. Yet within our respective silos that we are now confined to, divine renovation is clearly necessary. Thus I have a few observations to offer.
Progressive steps towards a traditional Roman Catholic liturgy have been taken over the course of this plague. Before the suspension of public masses, the sign of peace was stopped and the chalice was retained, both of which are optional. Now that the holy sacrifice of the mass is said without choirs or musicians, the entrance and communion antiphons as well as the older tones for chanting the responses have suddenly been rediscovered after decades of neglect.
Furthermore, this virus has silenced the hymns of questionable orthodoxy and chatter in the pews that was always inappropriate. Hopefully this reverence continues once mass is public again - perhaps we will even finally agree on when to kneel.
Of course those best caricatured by Facebook’s Susan from Parish Council will take umbrage with the points raised here: my only response is if it takes their absence to create a truly solemn, sacred liturgy, what does that say?
Lack of access to the sacraments remains a troubling reality for many Catholics, as our beliefs require faith and works, outward signs of inward grace. We must take solace in what the Church has provided for these times, which are all exceptional means that have been used for other crises. Perhaps that human foible of always wanting what we cannot have will spark a recommitment to fidelity and catechesis. From pope to pauper, each of us has more to learn.
By birth, I am a dual citizen of Western Christianity. For my brothers and sisters who do not call Rome home, my first recommendation is to make communion more frequent. This is not some papist plot, but rather a recognition both of the trend in some Protestant circles that is seeing a rebirth of weekly communion, as well as the blunt fact that if the crisis goes on much longer, people will have been without it for months - a hard burden for faithful believers to bear.
For an increase in reverence when church resumes, the solution is simple - cast out all mugs from the sanctuary. I am fairly certain the congregation will survive without sipping on hot drinks during the worship and preaching. This is a house of God, not a cafe. Also, for those who have a less liturgical celebration, it is advisable to return to a method of teaching that requires believers to open their bibles and read along, which used to be a core tenant of Protestantism.
Thematic sermons and programs have their place, but it is familiarity with the Scriptures that will bear the most fruit. Indeed, during this pestilence where pastoral visits are curtailed, it might be wise for those congregations without a catechism to begin discussing what might be put into one - what does it mean to be in this conference? Are we still pacifists? Is communion only a symbol or is it something more? Which particular reformers do we trace our origins to?
A last observation for all of us who call Christ the King: this crisis is an opportunity for us to double-down on corporal acts of mercy. Obviously, the requirements of social distancing are to be observed, but from helping our elders to feeding the homeless, bringing comfort to those in quarantine to the proper burial of those who have died during this plague, there is a role for all of us to play. If we are able to help, we are morally required to do so, regardless of denomination.
In short, all of Western Christianity is in need of renovation. But with our spirits renewed, after this plague has passed, how much better might we be able to run the race of eternal life?
