Lent I, Is It the Real Presence - Fr. Philip Eldracher 03-10-19

Summary

Fr. Philip Eldracher delivers a critical homily addressing an incident involving priests of the Society of St. Pius X (SSPX) in the District of Asia, specifically their participation in a holy hour of adoration at a Novus Ordo Cathedral. Fr. Eldracher expresses grave concern and condemnation over the SSPX priests venerating a host that was likely consecrated according to the Novus Ordo rite, which the speaker believes to be invalid or doubtful in terms of sacramental validity. He argues that the Novus Ordo Mass lacks the proper form and intention required for true transubstantiation, rendering the consecrated host at best doubtful and at worst unconsecrated bread. Adoring such a host, according to the speaker, amounts to idolatry, violating the First Commandment. 

Fr. Eldracher also highlights the inappropriate liturgical dress and lack of proper reverence displayed by the priests during the holy hour, emphasizing the strict traditional requirements for priestly attire and conduct before the Blessed Sacrament. The homily situates this incident within a historical pattern of similar compromises by traditionalist clergy, condemning these actions as betrayals of Catholic doctrine and the true faith. The overall message is a call to reject any form of recognition or participation in the Novus Ordo rite and to maintain strict adherence to traditional Catholic sacramental theology and practice.

Highlights

• SSPX priests participated in a holy hour at a Novus Ordo Cathedral, venerating a host of doubtful or invalid consecration.
• The Novus Ordo Mass is described as lacking valid sacramental form and intention for transubstantiation.
• Adoration of a possibly unconsecrated host is identified as idolatry and a violation of the First Commandment.
• Priests at the event were improperly dressed, violating strict traditional dress codes for adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.
• The incident is not isolated but part of a longer history of traditionalist clergy compromising with the Novus Ordo.
• The speaker condemns the SSPX priests’ actions as effectively acknowledging the Novus Ordo as valid, undermining their own raison d’être.
• The homily concludes with a strong exhortation to reject the devil’s temptation and worship God alone.

Key Insights

• Validity of the Novus Ordo Mass and Priesthood: Fr. Eldracher argues that the Novus Ordo Mass lacks the proper form and intention necessary for valid Eucharistic consecration, fundamentally questioning the legitimacy of the Mass and ordinations performed according to its rites. This reflects a deep theological dispute within traditionalist circles about the post-Vatican II liturgical reforms and sacramental validity.
• Consequences of Doubtful Consecration: Fr. Eldracher highlights that if the host is not properly consecrated, veneration of it constitutes idolatry. This insight emphasizes the centrality of valid Eucharistic consecration in Catholic worship and the gravity of mistakenly adoring what is essentially bread, which breaches the fundamental commandment against idolatry.
• Liturgical Dress and Reverence: Fr. Eldracher stresses the importance of proper priestly vestments (surplice and stole), altar setup (corporal and candles), and conduct during Eucharistic adoration. This underscores a broader theme in traditionalist Catholicism that external signs of reverence and adherence to ritual norms are integral to authentic worship and respect for the Sacrament.
• Historical Continuity of Compromise: The reference to a similar event 35 years prior illustrates that this tension between traditionalists and the Novus Ordo is longstanding and recurring. It shows that the struggle over how to relate to the post-conciliar Church is not new but deeply entrenched.
• Identity Crisis within SSPX: By participating in the Novus Ordo Cathedral event, the SSPX priests are seen as implicitly recognizing the Novus Ordo Mass’s validity, which contradicts their foundational position of rejecting the post-Vatican II liturgy. This creates an existential conflict for the SSPX’s identity and mission.
• Theological and Spiritual Stakes: The homily frames the incident as a spiritual battle involving the devil’s temptation to compromise faith for worldly acceptance. This insight reveals the speaker’s understanding of liturgical disputes as not merely academic but as crucial spiritual warfare for the soul of the Church.
• Call to Orthodoxy and Fidelity: The conclusion is a call to unwavering adherence to traditional Catholic doctrine and practice, rejecting any form of compromise with what the speaker deems heretical or invalid rites. This reflects a broader traditionalist emphasis on purity of faith and rejection of modernist influences.

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