Continuity
Letter and Spirit.
This is the title of a book by Dr. Scott Hahn on the liturgy and the Bible. He also has a series by the same name on EWTN. Some people may have the impression I do not like Dr. Hahn or feel he is too Protestant. This is not true. I have great respect for him and his writing, and especially his obvious devotion to the Catholic Church. As an academic, his writings convey that which he teaches to those of us not fortunate enough to participate in his classes. His conversion to the Catholic Church is the completion of his faith journey thus far, and he has brought wonderful gifts to the Church.
The readings at Mass.
I have been influenced by Dr. Hahn’s work as I meditated the readings at Mass, from Exodus and Leviticus this past week. Scott Hahn reminds us that these passages contain the seminal foundation of Roman Catholic liturgy. This is clearly seen in Tuesday’s reading from Exodus concerning the behavior of the Israelites when Moses entered the meeting tent - which is a liturgical act. Although in this instance, it is more akin to the Byzantine liturgy when the priest enters through the iconostasis into the Holy of Holies.
Today’s reading from Leviticus outlines the feasts established by the Lord himself, required of the Israelites, and indeed observed by Jesus himself while he lived amongst us. The Church maintained the observance of these traditions in the liturgical cycle of the Church year. The Church did not make up the Sunday observance, nor our holy days of obligation, although they may have a different character or spirit in the New Dispensation. Nevertheless, this tradition has come down to us from the time of Moses.
It always amazes me that those Protestant denominations who have no sacraments other than Baptism, no liturgy, nor liturgical calendar, yet claim to be so intensely Bible-based, criticize the Roman Catholic Church for it’s liturgical life which has been clearly mandated by God. I’m convinced this is what Scott Hahn’s teaching and ministry is all about - helping Catholics, as well as Protestants, recognize the Truth of the Roman Catholic Church; it’s continuity with the Old Covenant and the fullfillment of the New Covenant.
