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damevara
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Subject: Latin Mass
[Contrary to popular belief] Latin is NOT the ancient language of the church. Rather, the original language of the Christian liturgy was Greek. In fact, the ritual language at Rome was Greek until sometime in the 3rd century.
Also, there was a multiplicity of ritual forms from the very beginning, in various languages of the Middle East. For instance, we encounter forms, equally venerable and ancient, in Coptic, Ge'ez (Ethiopian), Greek, Aramaic, Armenian, and Syriac. Latin was the Johnny-come-lately to the lot.
Was there EVER a common language and ritual form for all of Christendom? The evidence says otherwise. In fact, would you not say, that the pleroma of the Faith demands such a diversity? This diversity, though, is NOT a factor in disunity, as the common features of all the forms is quite striking.
When I was abroad, I simply resigned myself to the fact that I would not comphrehend the words of the service. Rather, I focused on the liturgical action and drama that unfolded in front of me. Yes, despite my ignorance of the words, the WORD was indeed present. Thankfully, the shekinah [Holy Spirit] burst forth regardless of the ritus used.
Also, there was a multiplicity of ritual forms from the very beginning, in various languages of the Middle East. For instance, we encounter forms, equally venerable and ancient, in Coptic, Ge'ez (Ethiopian), Greek, Aramaic, Armenian, and Syriac. Latin was the Johnny-come-lately to the lot.
Was there EVER a common language and ritual form for all of Christendom? The evidence says otherwise. In fact, would you not say, that the pleroma of the Faith demands such a diversity? This diversity, though, is NOT a factor in disunity, as the common features of all the forms is quite striking.
When I was abroad, I simply resigned myself to the fact that I would not comphrehend the words of the service. Rather, I focused on the liturgical action and drama that unfolded in front of me. Yes, despite my ignorance of the words, the WORD was indeed present. Thankfully, the shekinah [Holy Spirit] burst forth regardless of the ritus used.
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