As we have talked much in class about the the church in reform, we see now that Vatican II was probably the most radical and necessary reform the Church has ever seen. It defined the church, described its mission in the world, reformed the liturgy, and explained how to interpret scriptures. Here are summaries of some of the major documents of the council.
LUMEN GENTIUM: THE MYSTERY OF THE CHURCH
The Church sought to define itself as the sign of unity with God on earth as established by Jesus Christ and carried on through tradition. It is the body of Christ the people united to Christ so intimately that they are the image Him on this earth. The Church is the hand and feet of Christ in whom Christ resides and through whom Christ works on this earth. Because of this identity in the love of Christ, they are called to holiness and love for all of humanity.
GAUDIUM ET SPES: THE CHURCH IN THE MODERN WORLD
Gaudium et Spes emphasize the dignity of every human person. It stresses the necessity for the Church to reach out to all of humanity and to proclaim Jesus Christ and the salvation he brings to the ends of the earth. Under the guidance of the Spirit, the Church is to be a witness to the truth. These themes allow Vatican II to open the door to all sorts of interreligious dialogue in hopes of reconciliation with all Christians and even all people. It hopes for and urges movement toward a united community of all humanity guided by the Spirit and rooted in a love for Jesus Christ. All of humanity is potentially the Church.
SACROSANCTUM CONCILIUM: DIVINE LITURGY
Vatican II also made the Church more accessible and easily understandable for the everyday Catholic. The entire liturgy was retranslated so that masses could be said in the native languages of the people. This revolutionized and personalized the liturgical experience for Catholics.
DEI VERBUM: SCRIPTURE
As we read earlier this semester, the council explains how the Christian should read and interpret Scripture. We recall that it affirms scripture's nature as God's writing through the pens of men and that it calls for a particular reading of scripture in light of the context and intention of the author and the context of the Sacred tradition.
The Council also promulgated other documents concerning social media, ecumenism, the eastern rite of the Church, missionary activity, religious freedom, the ministry of priests, bishops, Christian education, educating priests, Jewish-Christian relations, and the role of the laity.
As you can see Vatican II clarified and defined the beliefs, traditions, identity, and purpose of the Catholic Church.
Why was Vatican II necessary?
How have the changes of Vatican II affected your own experience or opinion on the Church?
In light of the reform of Vatican II, how would you define reform? Clarification, revision, change, adjustment to circumstances?
Also, in light of Vatican II and our recent reform of the Roman Missal, (in the spirit of the Church is always in need of Reform) do you see places in the Church that are in need of reform? (i.e. women's involvement in the church, papal ruling, gay rights, abortion, contraception, education, social justice....)
How adequately do you feel Catholic Church councils respond to the changing of the times and how well do you think the public is informed in the matters of defending and refuting the Catholic Church?
Jackie and Amber