[Apologetics] Re: From NewAdvent.org newsletter

[Stephen Korsman]

Hi

Art is right about the epiclesis being neglected in earlier Roman rites.  The Tridentine and pre-Tridentine rites, at least since the 1400's, have included an epiclesis that did not invoke the Holy Spirit.  At least not explicitly.  Since no person in the Trinity acts alone, the Holy Spirit's action is implied.  Some Orthodox do modify the Tridentine liturgy to include the Holy Spirit in the epiclesis.

Since the epiclesis was virtually absent in the Roman rite at some points in time, and is insufficient in the eyes of some Orthodox in the Tridentine liturgy, it would be hard for the pope to make such a statement and intend it to be a binding declaration of judgement on whether or not a liturgy is valid without the epiclesis.  In some Western eyes, it has been considered unnecessary.  Technically, prayer to Mary is unnecessary.  But it's important, and I think that is what he's getting at.  Not a binding decree for all people at all times, but rather an emphasis on pulling the parts together into a better unity.

If he came out and said "An epiclesis without invocation of the Holy Spirit is required for a valid consecration" he'd be nullifying the Tridentine liturgy he's just liberated.  If he came out and said "An epiclesis is required for a valid consecration" he'd be causing problems for several centuries of Roman rite liturgies.

I'd see this as a step towards a more "profound unity" between the Eastern and Western understanding.

He hasn't been afraid to break with tradition before - such as when he suggested that Christ may not have died on Passover day, which has been the traditional consensus for centuries, but rather the day before.  I think he can see the essence of the faith for what it is, and see past local definitions, such as East vs West.  I got that impression when he was still Pre16 in the CDF - he was fair, but called a spade a spade.  But he'd let the Latins call a fig a fig, because that is their expression, and the meaning is the same.  He'll open the way to better understanding without compromising the faith.

God bless,
Stephen
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Dianne Dawson 
  To: Art Kelly ; Apologetics Group 
  Sent: Monday, September 03, 2007 8:41 PM
  Subject: Re: [Apologetics] Re: From NewAdvent.org newsletter


  Art,

  You are correct that transubstantiation takes place at the words of consecration, it is only possible by means of the calling of the Holy Spirit (the epiclesis).

  Per the Holy Father (B16) the epiclesis IS essential to the consecration because it is only by the calling down of the Holy Spirit (the epiclesis) that the bread and wine can be changed into Jesus' Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity.  He says there is a PROFOUND UNITY (emphasis added) between the epliclesis and the institution narrative.  Your statement that the epiclesis is not neccessary conflicts with what the Holy Father has stated. (CF below)


  (http://www.stlouisreview.com/abpcolumn.php?abpid=13169)
  Once again, drawing upon the General Instruction of the Roman Missal, Pope Benedict XVI lists eight "basic elements of every Eucharistic Prayer: thanksgiving, acclamation, epiclesis, institution narrative and consecration, anamnesis, offering, intercessions and final doxology" (n. 48). The epiclesis is the priest's calling down of the Holy Spirit for the consecration of the bread and wine. It takes place right before the institution narrative containing the words of the Consecration.  

  In an earlier part of "Sacramentum Caritatis," our Holy Father noted the particular enrichment to our spiritual life, which comes from a deeper appreciation of the relationship of the calling-down of the Holy Spirit in the epiclesis and the words of Christ by which the bread and wine are changed into His Body and Blood (n.13). Once again, our Holy Father draws our attention to "the profound unity between the invocation of the Holy Spirit and the institution narrative" (n. 48). At the epiclesis, the Church prays for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, in order that the elements of bread and wine may be changed into the Body and Blood of Christ, and the faithful who receive the Body and Blood of Christ may be transformed more and more into Christ's likeness.  

  Dianne




  Like a deer that longs for running waters so my soul longs for you, O God.
  Ps 42:1




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