Surely the problem Dr Schafer presents is a valid one. But it is not only the young who have no idea what the "difference" is, but most of the
older--and very old, who have been "educated" since Vatican II are blissfully ignorant of the Faith, and perhaps it has always been that way to a sad degree. But in the case of the TLM, it were only a case
of aesthetics, that would not be an adequate description. In the parish
I attend, which is made up almost entirely of young people, young families, and a constantly increasing congregation of several races,
economic backgrounds etc. that it was merely aesthetics would hardly explain the long lines forming for Confession, the piety during the Eucharistic Canon or the utter silence before Mass, broken only by the whole congregation praying the Rosary. Perhaps these people could not quote Augustine or Aquinas, but they know Jesus is there and their desire is to be with him. Is it the very human desire for transcendence? or that the priest with his back to them is up to some kind of magic? Do they prefer the tremendous beauty of an organ, choir, beautiful vestments, altar boys etc? Perhaps. But it's far more.
The NO Mass I attended recently was full of chattering, greeting old friends, you name it. I was embarrassed by some of the women, dressed in hip-length skirts, flip-flops -- you get it. Campfire songs about "being nice," the priests encouraging them to be good to each other etc. These were good, kind people, but I believe their souls are in danger if that's all there is. Is there a difference indeed?
Surely the problem Dr Schafer presents is a valid one. But it is not only the young who have no idea what the "difference" is, but most of the
older--and very old, who have been "educated" since Vatican II are blissfully ignorant of the Faith, and perhaps it has always been that way to a sad degree. But in the case of the TLM, it were only a case
of aesthetics, that would not be an adequate description. In the parish
I attend, which is made up almost entirely of young people, young families, and a constantly increasing congregation of several races,
economic backgrounds etc. that it was merely aesthetics would hardly explain the long lines forming for Confession, the piety during the Eucharistic Canon or the utter silence before Mass, broken only by the whole congregation praying the Rosary. Perhaps these people could not quote Augustine or Aquinas, but they know Jesus is there and their desire is to be with him. Is it the very human desire for transcendence? or that the priest with his back to them is up to some kind of magic? Do they prefer the tremendous beauty of an organ, choir, beautiful vestments, altar boys etc? Perhaps. But it's far more.
The NO Mass I attended recently was full of chattering, greeting old friends, you name it. I was embarrassed by some of the women, dressed in hip-length skirts, flip-flops -- you get it. Campfire songs about "being nice," the priests encouraging them to be good to each other etc. These were good, kind people, but I believe their souls are in danger if that's all there is. Is there a difference indeed?