We have lived for so many generations in a tide of decline that we cannot imagine the vitality of the Hauptgottesdienst or Hoegmessa of the Reformation period. -- Earnest Koenker, *Worship in Word and Sacrament* p. 73.
He's saying that we have not had for many generations the experience with the "High Mass" that our spiritual forebears had - the vitality of the Divine Service as it was celebrated with greatest reverence and joy in and after the Reformation.
The first time that I experienced the "High Mass" was when Fr. Piepkorn, of blessed memory, celebrated it at Reformation when I was at St. Louis many years ago. It was then his custom to alternate between the Formula Missae and the Deutsche Messe. This celebration was an awakening for many of my fellows, especially when bells were rung at the consecration and elevations.
If you would like to experience the "High Mass" at its fullest, you might want to contact Zion Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI, and obtain a recording of the Retirement Mass of Bishop Patelko. (Sorry, spelling names is not my strong suit.)
The high point of this Mass was the fact that three (3) Bishops were "assisting" at this Mass. This humble Deacon had the privilege of being Master of Ceremonies at this Mass.
So sad that many of our congregations would be traumatized if all of the stops were pulled out even once in their presence.
It is curious to note that until the middle if the 1800's, in some areas of Lutheranism the Mass was still being said in Latin. Sadly, we are no longer aware of what we have lost.
Thank you for the explanation, Pastor. I think that you are on to something in your blog and that's why I continue to read it.
My ears were jarred this past Sunday when my pastor changed The Opening Prayer ['O Lord, our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter, we are assembled in Your presence to hear Your holy Word. . .] to 'O God, we are gathered together in your house....' I am a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and I was quoting from Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary.
I don't understand what you are writing about here, Herr Pastor. Please explain.
ReplyDeleteNorman,
ReplyDeleteHe's saying that we have not had for many generations the experience with the "High Mass" that our spiritual forebears had - the vitality of the Divine Service as it was celebrated with greatest reverence and joy in and after the Reformation.
Fr. Weedon et al.
ReplyDeleteThe first time that I experienced the "High Mass" was when Fr. Piepkorn, of blessed memory, celebrated it at Reformation when I was at St. Louis many years ago. It was then his custom to alternate between the Formula Missae and the Deutsche Messe.
This celebration was an awakening for many of my fellows, especially when bells were rung at the consecration and elevations.
If you would like to experience the "High Mass" at its fullest, you might want to contact Zion Lutheran Church, Detroit, MI, and obtain a recording of the Retirement Mass of Bishop Patelko. (Sorry, spelling names is not my strong suit.)
The high point of this Mass was the fact that three (3) Bishops were "assisting" at this Mass. This humble Deacon had the privilege of being Master of Ceremonies at this Mass.
So sad that many of our congregations would be traumatized if all of the stops were pulled out even once in their presence.
It is curious to note that until the middle if the 1800's, in some areas of Lutheranism the Mass was still being said in Latin. Sadly, we are no longer aware of what we have lost.
Good Deacon,
ReplyDeleteI actually DO have a video of that mass somewhere here in the house! It was a wonderful celebration.
Thank you for the explanation, Pastor. I think that you are on to something in your blog and that's why I continue to read it.
ReplyDeleteMy ears were jarred this past Sunday when my pastor changed The Opening Prayer ['O Lord, our Maker, Redeemer, and Comforter, we are assembled in Your presence to hear Your holy Word. . .] to 'O God, we are gathered together in your house....' I am a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Synod and I was quoting from Evangelical Lutheran Hymnary.