Trent and the Faith

Today's readings from "The Hidden Manna" were an in-depth treatment of the Council of Trent, which was the Church's reaction to the Reformation. The challenge of the reformers was met by the Council. By the way, the Council of Trent is where the "Tridentine Mass" comes from: the old-style Latin Mass that was superseded by the Novus Ordo Mass after Vatican II. Anyway, the decrees from Trent are a precise teaching of the Faith that had already been held for 1,500 years, but never formulated so clearly: that the Eucharist is the Body and Blood of Christ; that the substance of the bread and wine no longer exists (only the accidents remain); that the sacrifice of the Mass is a true sacrifice; that only properly consecrated priests may confect the Eucharist; that those aware of being in a state of mortal sin should not partake of the Host.

This might be a good time to explain why these matters hold so much interest for me. "The Hidden Manna" continues a kind of tour of the sacraments, starting with marriage ("Love and Responsibility"); then Holy Orders ("The Case for Clerical Celibacy"); then Confession ("Frequent Confession"). Before that, I read St. Augustine's "City of God". These are all very wonderful books; "City of God" and "Love and Responsibility" should be read by every Christian.

For me the subject matter is interesting first of all because it is very challenging. The philosophy and theology that form the Faith are very deep, broad, and profound, and eminently rewards the lifetime of effort that faithful Catholics should put into understanding their faith.

It is also rewarding because it is true. No other faith or philosophy captures the whole truth about the world and about human nature. Do you want to understand yourself? Do you want to understand the world? There is no better place to start than understanding the fullness of the Catholic faith.

I'll write more about the Faith and its role in my life soon.