Couples approaching the sacrament should carefully reflect on the choice before them: which rite is more in harmony with the substance of marriage and will best dispose them to receive its grace?
The difference between the "cultural adaptation" of the traditional rite and the vast optionality of the new rite is quite significant. While the former is closer to the proper use of oeconomia found in the eastern tradition, the options given in the new rite quite literally create the "cafeteria Catholics" St. JP II warned us about, giving the couple the choice to pick and choose traditions and customs as if it were their boutonniere options at Men's Warehouse. I have an aunt who chose a particular reading option as a means to insult her new mother-in-law! It just fuels the flames of narcissism that plagues the modern romance scene.
Very well said, Rinju. In the words of Pope Francis, liturgy should not be "spoiled by a superficial and foreshortened understanding of its value or, worse yet, exploited in service of some ideological vision, no matter what the hue.” He was right about that, even if he had the wrong target in his sights.
Amen, The beauty and richness of the sacramental nature of marriage is so well expressed in the Vetus Ordo. Ironically, even though my wife and I married each other three times, none of those weddings was in the Vetus Ordo. (We married first in a non-denominational ceremony, then in the Orthodox Church when she was received there, and then a Novus Ordo convalidation when I was received into Catholicism and she was reconciled to the Church!)
The difference between the "cultural adaptation" of the traditional rite and the vast optionality of the new rite is quite significant. While the former is closer to the proper use of oeconomia found in the eastern tradition, the options given in the new rite quite literally create the "cafeteria Catholics" St. JP II warned us about, giving the couple the choice to pick and choose traditions and customs as if it were their boutonniere options at Men's Warehouse. I have an aunt who chose a particular reading option as a means to insult her new mother-in-law! It just fuels the flames of narcissism that plagues the modern romance scene.
Very well said, Rinju. In the words of Pope Francis, liturgy should not be "spoiled by a superficial and foreshortened understanding of its value or, worse yet, exploited in service of some ideological vision, no matter what the hue.” He was right about that, even if he had the wrong target in his sights.
A good observation, thank you!
Amen, The beauty and richness of the sacramental nature of marriage is so well expressed in the Vetus Ordo. Ironically, even though my wife and I married each other three times, none of those weddings was in the Vetus Ordo. (We married first in a non-denominational ceremony, then in the Orthodox Church when she was received there, and then a Novus Ordo convalidation when I was received into Catholicism and she was reconciled to the Church!)