27 October 2011
On the Mass
Our churches are falsely accused of abolishing the Mass. Actually, the Mass is retained among us and is celebrated with the greatest reverence. Almost all the customary ceremonies are also retained, except that German hymns are interspersed here and there among the parts sung in Latin. These [ceremonies] are added for the instruction of the people, for ceremonies are needed especially in order that the unlearned may be taught. […] Accordingly it does not appear that the Mass is observed with more devotion among our adversaries than among us. […]By contrast, due to God’s blessing, our priests attend to the ministry of the Word. They teach the gospel about the blessings of Christ, and they show that the forgiveness of sins takes place on account of Christ. This teaching offers solid consolation to consciences. In addition they teach about the good works that God commands, and they speak about the value and use of the Sacraments. -- Apology of the Augsburg Confession XXIV: 1-3, 9, 48
No comments:
Post a Comment