Msgr. Pope on the Liturgy as Healing Medicine for Strident Times

"One of the most concise and cogent descriptions of these often strident times came from Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger in 1986. It is contained in, of all places, his treatise on the theology of sacred music in a book called The Feast of Faith (Ignatius Press, 1986). His comments have been republished in a larger compendium of his works, Collected Works: Theology of the Liturgy (Ignatius Press, 2014, Vol 11). 

"It is hard to describe our times as anything but contentious. Loud, strident protests often predominate over reasoned discourse and thoughtful argumentation.

"To be sure, every era has had, and has needed, protest and public opposition to injustice. There is a time and a place for loud protest and the use of memorable sound bites.

"However, it is the predominance of loud protest and civil disobedience that stands out today. Sound bites, slogans, and simplistic 'war cries' have to a large extent replaced thoughtful, reasoned discourse. Volume, power, and visually flashy techniques are prized; they are being used more and more. Such approaches too frequently produce more heat than light."

In a recent commentary, Monsignor Charles Pope (pastor of Holy Comforter-Saint Cyprian Parish, Washington, DC) reflected on Cardinal Ratzinger's analysis and its related application of "liturgy and cosmology to the issues and imbalances of our day."

To access Msgr. Pope's complete post, please visit:

Community in Mission: How the Liturgy is Healing Medicine for Strident Times (13 JUL 17)