Liturgy (Sacraments in Particular)

Offemaria, Joeford Maxi

Liturgical Revolution: Vatican II and its Aftermaths

It has been quite an issue since then how to reconcile conservatism and the
aftermaths of the Second Vatican Council. From the rites, to postures, from the language to
the songs used; all were but affected by the revolutionary appeal of the council’s official
document on the liturgy, Sacrosanctum Consilium. Five decades after, the move being
taught about by the same document calls on the same move: Change.

Since time immemorial, it has been so hard for us humans to accept change. We
protest if we see change happening. Remember when the Southbound Terminal was moved
to LCC or when the price of diesel or gasoline hikes? All seem to be outrageous by these
moves. Though it might seem unnoticed, the same thing happens inside the church. When
St. Pope John XXIII called on for a council, the cardinals were caught in a sudden. They were
protesting and calling the council as “untimely” during that time. But, untimely it may be,
the council has produced the much awaited fruit; it has opened the doors of the church. The
council made the church “a church for the people” as it defied the exclusivities of the
ecclesiastical hierarchy and the elites. The deviations from the old ways are much felt and
noticed especially in the liturgical aspect of the church. The changes brought about by the
council as it begun its new mission of being for a “church for all” include the following: a.)
from being a “clergy-centric” eucharistic celebration, the mass became a celebration for and
with the people as it required the full, active and conscious participation of the people. b.)
the mass has been open to all men as eucharist may be celebrated in the native tongue and
not requiring Latin literacy. c.) one can feel the conversational type of prayer as the priest
communicates to the people by facing them and involving them in a dialogue. These are but
few of the alterations by the Second Vatican Council most especially in the field of liturgy.
Now we may ask what now?

One thing that hinders the much needed reform brought about by the council is the
church’s close mindedness to change. The laity’s opposition to various developments and
the lack of support from the clerics makes it so hard for us to effect change. There is a much
needed support in the church in the reforms it wishes to implement most especially if
mandated by the Magisterium. Information dissemination may make it easier for both the
laity and the clergy to support the change the church long for.