Heresy at First Holy Communion Mass
Hello Brother:
I was at my Godson's first Holy Communion Mass and was appauled in more ways than I can tell. Apart from the chatter before Mass and the apparent gum chewing in church, the offeratory song gave me the most scandal. It is called "Supper of the Lord", it is in alot of misalettes, I have noticed and apparently these have some ecclesiatical approval.
Part of the refrain of the song (I dont used the term "hymn" ) is; "Precious Body, Precious Blood here in bread and wine". Is this not the error of Lutheranism?
In the doctrine of transubstantiation the appearance of the material matter is a mere accident. Do they not totally transform into the body, blood, soul and divinity of christ? This song really seems to state the the "real presence" is subordinate to the material matter, since it is "in" it.
I attend the indult Latin Mass and am not accustomed to such overt heresy being tolerated, let alone part of the liturgy. What a sad, sad comment on the state of the church in the U.S. today. I really do hope that I am over reacting, since I would like to be optimistic. What is your opion?
Pax,
Thierry
QUESTION from Thierry on May 16, 2004
ANSWER by Bro. Ignatius Mary, OLSM on May 22, 2004
|
Dear Thierry: Well, what you are asking is REALLY nuanced. The issue presented is so highly technical and nuanced that I am not sure how to answer this. The interpretation of the Body and Blood as subordinate to the matter can be supported only if the grammar proves that meaning. I am not sure this is the case grammatically. When I read that the first time I did not get the sense that you got from it. Also the issue of "in" is a highly nuanced point as well. The accidents of the Eucharist, the bread and wine, remain bread and wine, while the substance changes to the Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity of Christ. In terms of a lyric, it would be a little difficult to have a musical lyric that gives that dogma in it formal expression. So, whether this refers to a heresy against the dogma of Transubstantiation is dependent upon an answer to the nuanced and technical grammar of the sentence AND the intention of the composer. I understand the caution, but I would not get bent out of shape over this unless there is additional evidence, such as comments made by the composer, or the motivation of the person who selected this song for the Mass.
God Bless, |