[ninenot]

You are absolutely correct that 'this is not just about the Mass'--but his discussion of Beauty above is reflected in his discussions of liturgy, particularly of liturgical music.

R.'s quote of Orthodox theologian should not be surprising; the O'dox icons have a great deal to teach the RC's, which have always been more 'loosey-goosey' in liturgy and art norms.

[Kolokotronis]

"You are absolutely correct that 'this is not just about the Mass'--but his discussion of Beauty above is reflected in his discussions of liturgy, particularly of liturgical music."

Please understand that my comment, or rather observation, was in no way intended to reflect negatively on the Mass. It is rather that the Pope's comments on the beauty of the Bridegroom reflect a profound and sublime Christian Truth continually preached by The Fathers. All of our devotions and Liturgies in The Church, and most assuredly our Icons, have at base both a salvific and a didactic effect which are inextricably intertwined. Every prayer, chant or motion in our Liturgies have a purpose to advance us in theosis. Nothing is left to chance and nothing is meaningless. Their very beauty, as the world defines beauty, reminds us that when we pray as a Liturgical people, as the People of God, we are not at all in this world, but rather praising and supplicating our Lord and our God in communion with the saints who have gone before us. Our Icons, the devotion to which the whole Church proclaims, both call us and allow us to enter into the ultimate reality of existence, of Eternal Life, in Christ as partakers of His divine nature.