Thank you sincerely for sharing this perspective. You’ve made a great case that does bring me peace. I’ve been fighting those who were castigating Pope Francis from the outset and even received several nasty-grams from NewCatholic over at RorateCaeli in response to my efforts. I have friends I’ve been trying to talk back off the edge since the first round of negative attacks over at RorateCaeli on the day of PFI’s election. But this Holy Thursday liturgical abuse (in my opinion, that’s what it was) really had me flustered and it isn’t something I can defend against those I know who see it as proof of the earliest fears expressed on the trad blogs.
I can easily see the truth in everything you posted. And the trad blogs are acting out of fear and lack of Trust. But also out of the grim reality of wandering in a liturgical wasteland for 40 years and the very real possibility that progress in a return to reverent liturgy could be set back by a cavalier attitude that brushes away liturgical tradition as so many Phraisaical trappings that hinder us from our experience of the “real” Jesus.
Frankly, I don't go to RorateCaeli. They are a near occasion of sin to me.
Our little Schola Cantorum in my East Tennessee parish will be doing its first sung High Mass (with propers, sprinking with water and all that) on April 14. I am conscious that this is the first Vidi Aquam I will have sung in 50 years--- yes, 50 years almost to the day. I shake my head in amazed gratitude.
The Great Tradition is very, very precious to me, and I am morally sure Pope Francis won't do anything to take that away.
Let's pray for each other, and for our Papa.