Catholic Matters

When I was in Mexico a few weeks ago, I couldn't wait to hit Mass on Ash Wednesday. I was looking forward to an ol' school Catholic church that, unlike many of its U.S. counterparts, still reveled in the mystery and ritual of the Church.

So what did I get? A bland, round, modern church with a puny altar on an elevated stage and a guitar playing duet providing the music. If you didn't notice the kneelers or the very modestly-sized cross hanging on the wall, you could have thought yourself in an Episcopalian or even (gasp!) Presbyterian house of worship. My disappointment was palpable.

To be fair, the place was packed (SRO in fact), the altar boys were all boys, and they did ring the bells during the Institution Narrative, something that I still miss from my days of youth. Under the category of "it's the little differences," the ashes were applied to the top of the head rather than the forehead. All in all, it was an interesting experience even if it didn't quite meet my original expectations.

This Saturday at noon, the incomparable Father Richard John Neuhaus will be our guest on the Northern Alliance Radio Network to talk about all things Catholic and religion in the public square. Father Neuhaus is the founder and editor of First Things and the author of Catholic Matters: Confusion, Controversy, And the Splendor of Truth, a wonderful look at the state of Catholicism today. Another sample from the book to further whet your appetite for tomorrow's interview:

When the Second Vatican Council permitted the liturgy in the vernacular--contra many linguists, it did not mandate the vernacular--slap-dash translations of the Latin were rushed into use. Numerous scholars, and authorities in Rome, have complained about the inaccuracy of the translations; but, if it is possible, their inaccuracy is outdone by their spectacular banality. Many of the appointed prayers can be fairly summarized in the petition, "O Lord, help us to be even nicer people than we already are." Awe, majesty, mystery, unworthiness--anything associated with wonder in the face of the numinous--is out. Familiarity , good feelings, and self-congratulation are in.

If you want to join the discussion with Father Neuhaus tomorrow, feel free to give us a call at 651-289-4488. As always, the Northern Alliance Radio Network Volume One can be heard from 11am-1pm on Saturdays on AM1280 WWTC or live on the internet stream. Don't you dare miss it!

(Rumor has it that Saint Paul has finally settled on the flatware pattern for his gift registry and will be rejoining us in the studio this week.)