In a series of messages, I want to explain my understanding of liturgy which follows Sacred Tradition. Liturgy, encompasses the Mass and the Sacraments and means the participation of the People of God in the “work of God.” CCC 1069. The first aspect to understand about liturgy is that it is “given” by God. As Cardinal Ratzinger, the future Pope Benedict XVI, explained, “real liturgy implies that God responds and reveals how we can worship him.”
A brief reflection on the history of salvation helps us see we are called to worship God only as he directs us. Cain’s offering was said to be displeasing to God while He accepted Abel’s offering. (Genesis 4:2-5). The difference was Cain offered right worship as directed by God. Later the two priest sons of Aaron were killed by fire from heaven for offering “strange fire.” (Leviticus 10:1). St. Paul later says, “For I received from the Lord that which I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when He was betrayed took bread, He broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.’” (1 Corinthians 11:23-24).
Vatican II explained that the Pope has the authority to regulate liturgy and has delegated some limited authority to national Bishop’s conferences. Then it goes on to say, “no other person, even if he be a priest, may add, remove, or change anything in the liturgy on his own authority.” SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM, 22,3. It is thus not our job to imaginatively “make liturgy.”
My decision to stop giving blessings during Mass to those who do not receive communion is based on these liturgical norms. Such blessings have never been approved by the Pope or by the Canadian Bishop’s conference, who can petition the Pope to establish local customs. I no longer think it is prudent, especially as sometimes it is scandalous. Everyone is blessed at the end of Mass.