A Treasure To Be Shared

people spoke their minds in a civil manner, and those who were rude or crude were politely put in their place? people said what they meant and meant what they said? cussing was shameful? people were not afraid to greet one another by shaking hands? children were required to do daily chores? parents disciplined their children because they loved them and weren't afraid of being arrested for common sense actions like taking away the privileges of a child because of his or her disrespectful behaviour? children respected their elders by not talking back and by contributing to the support of the household by willingly doing their chores? grandchildren sat with their grandparents and learned from their stories? boys carried a pocketknife for no other purpose than for whittling a stick or carving his name in a log, or for sharpening a pencil, or for slicing up an apple for lunch? a tomboy was just an energetic and perhaps outdoorsy kind of girl that could hold her own with the boys? famili

Been there heard that? Next to the music of the Mass, the homily or sermon suffers the most and, like the music of the liturgy, it is still in need of improvement in many parishes. There have been repeated official attempts to inspire positive change. There is no shortage of gifted orators. Sadly, sermons are too often filled with banal wanderings and cheap references. A younger generation of priests is stepping up to the challenge by following clear guidance that - if unimpeded by leaden thinking that traps clergy in the mess of an older generation's rebellion - can lead to profound positive renewal. Certain older prelates - not all, mind you - have little formation, or have abandoned what formation they were given, to celebrate Mass in a way that acknowledges the sublime character of the Sacred Liturgy. They seem to demonstrate antipathy toward anyone or anything that promotes beautiful - artful, good, traditional - liturgy. A younger generation is reclaiming authenticity. Those