For readers exasperated with the theological, liturgical and pastoral preliminaries, today we have a preview of “adaptations which can be made,” part b of chapter III.
The next numbered sections of part bconsider language (39), music and singing (40), gestures, postures, and other movements (41-42), art (43), and devotions (44-45).
Longer sections will follow, but a short one for the moment:
38. In an analysis of a liturgical action with a view to its inculturation, it is necessary to consider the traditional value of the elements of the action and in particular their biblical or patristic origin (cf. above Nos. 21-26), because it is not sufficient to distinguish between what can be changed and what is unchangeable.
Not everything that can be changed should be changed.
Any comments?
“Not everything that can be changed should be changed.”
I like that. I wish it could be paired with something like: “Remember that people often unaware of their own cognitive blind spots, so that they do not realize how their well intentioned proposals for change may result in things unforeseen.”