Liturgy and the Mexican Standoff, by Aurelio Porfiri

I do not know whether you share this impression, but when one looks at the current situation of the liturgy, it seems to resemble that of a “Mexican standoff.” This expression, perhaps coined in the nineteenth century, refers to a situation in which three or more contenders hold each other at gunpoint in a state of great tension, where anyone may emerge as the winner or the loser.

Of course, in our case not all the “contenders” are on the same level. There are those liturgists who view the liturgical reform of Vatican II as a break with the past, inspired by the hermeneutic promoted by the so-called “Bologna School.” Unfortunately, this interpretation has prevailed for decades, even though it is intrinsically false. Then there is a minority that embraces the hermeneutic of continuity, according to which the liturgical reform promoted by Vatican II should not be seen in opposition to the Church’s liturgical and musical tradition. These people, often viewed with suspicion, are frequently voices crying out in the wilderness. Finally, there is the traditionalist world, which relies on the rite that preceded the so-called “Mass of Paul VI.” This too is a minority that seeks to carve out a space for itself within a Church that, at least in words, claims to be inclusive. ….

Continue reading >>>>>>>>>>>>