Oscar Romero and Post Vatican II Church - Essay Example

Running Head: Oscar Romero and post Vatican II Church Oscar Romero and Post Vatican II Church Introduction Catholic spiritual practice of living out a personal act of faith following the acceptance of faith has transformed over the years. Though Catholics are expected to pray together at a mass, various forms of spirituality and prayers have been developed over the centuries in an attempt of approaching God in prayer in living out the Gospel. Revolution has resounded through the church at all points, from the towers of Vatican to the benches of local communities. Modern transformation began after the closure of the second Vatican council, which saw the landmark introduction of documents which set out the motion of transformation. Four Council sessions; 1962-1965 Prior to these sessions, mass were conducted in a way that priests turned their backs to the congregation, modern forms were not accepted, masses were conducted in Latin language only, and sacraments were not updated or simplified. The council introduced new documents which saw landmark transformation of the Catholic Church. (http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0505787.htm). Alters were altered, and priests were made to face the congregation, priesthood and religious life were renewed, liturgy was modernized, lay Catholics participation in church affairs was enhanced, Catholic church opened dialogue with other churches and non-Christians and the church was recognized as ‘the people of God’. Way was given for people around the world to conduct masses in their vernacular language. All these changes were not immediate. This saw the church began a long and contentious process of every aspect of the Catholic Church. The council regarded this transformation as a way of opening dialogue with the modern world and facing modern challenges that were inevitable. It is believed that were it, not for these changes introduced by the Vatican II council, the church would be a small minority in the modern world. These transformations brought modern-day men and women nearer to the gospel and made the gospel important to them which was not the case before. Implementation of these changes is an ongoing process, and it faces critics even in the floor of the Vatican. Spirituality Changes One of the goals of the council documents was to enlighten the modern believers to see the world as an opportunity to announce the gospel and not a threat to the gospel. Prior to this, many catholic believers viewed the modern world as a threat to the gospel and existence of the church. These transformations greatly changed the spiritual view of the church. Another ongoing spiritual task since the inception of these transformations has been to enlighten the young generations not to see the Vatican as an ancient history of the church doctrines; rather they should view it as the focal point of the global church activities which unites the diverse cultures and ideologies as a one people of God. These transformations were seen as a way of bridging the ancient truth with the contemporary world in the light of Christ. The church spiritual poverty and unity have been enhanced. The church held conferences with Protestants, orthodox and other non-Catholics in a bid to promote peace among diverse religions. This was a major spiritual breakthrough of the church being able to sit down in a table of brotherhood with members of other religions a scenario which had never been witnessed in the history of the church. Among the spiritual changes observed include (http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0505787.htm): The liturgical calendar was simplified, paving way to introduction of new critique of selection of richer scripture. Sacraments rites were modified encompassing a community way of celebration Lay minister multiplied globally with a number of lay men and women pursuing theological degree and participating in administrative positions in the church. Individual spirituality was emphasized as opposed to ancient community worship. This emphasized on individual development in an attempt to enhance the unity among the diverse personalities who come together for worship. Local churches were allowed to incorporate their traditions in preaching the gospel. This opened new doors for appreciation of diverse cultures among the diverse universal church. Formal dialogue between catholic and other Christians at local levels was encouraged as the church acknowledged the possibility of salvation of non-christians. Married men were allowed to be ordained to be deacons. There are more than 20,000 deacons in the present world today. Synods of Bishops were formed, as new appreciation of bishops was encouraged due to the council teachings that bishops and pope form a collegial body together. Moral theology was revolutionized which focused on individual conscience using biblical sources as the basis of teachings other than the church law or authority. Church solidarity with humanity was underlined in contrast to prior era where separated itself from the secular world. However, some worrisome religious changes were also observed which included abandonment of the sacrament of penance, decline in mass attendance in many places and dissent of teachings on birth controls. Oscar Romero In what way does a person imagine God? In what manner does that image vary as a person develops spiritually, and experiences momentous mystical understanding? What inspires-political, conservational, societal, sexual characteristics- shape and alter a person understanding of God? These are the intriguing questions that help in understudying the context, work and life of Romero and changes in his spirituality. Like many other great prophets, he had humble beginnings from the common folks. His earlier understanding of God had been enforced by his dad, and he understood Him to be a heavenly private being that transcended everyday life (Brennan, 2002). He was taught that religious life was centered at the parish where people worshipped every Sunday. He was made to understand God as being higher on the side of the rich and powerful whose church was not to get in touch with matters of the world. Hence, the poor were encouraged to endure sufferings and evils of this world with anticipation of heavenly rewards that awaited them. His earlier understanding of God was enlightened at the age of thirteen, when he joined seminary where he experienced challenges especially during World War II during the era of pope Pius XI where many Catholics were brutally killed (Brennan, 2002). This gave him a glimpse of a larger God actively involved in the world than he had ever earlier imagined. Jesus was always central of his experience with God. His understanding of God was enlarged, and he saw a God who stood up against oppression and social injustices than the earlier ideas he had imported during his younger days from his parish. His understanding of a God gradually changed to that of an equal God for all. He stood up against oppression of the weak and poor, and this saw him rise in ranks of the Catholic Church. He denounced social abuses and was ready to rise against the government and other injustices in the community. Thus, events contributed to his understanding and acknowledgement of God and his acceptance of the need of God in our everyday lives (Brenan, 2002). References http://www.catholicnews.com/data/stories/cns/0505787.htm Brennan R. Hill.(2002). ‘8 Spiritual Heroes, Their search for GOD’. Anthony Messenger Press, Cinncinnati OH Read More