Here’s a brand new item that just came in. 

We had this CD playing in our store the other day.  I must say, I kinda like it.  I was hesitant at first because it initially had the ring of being Broadway-ish, which I always thought tacky and bordering on inappropriate (crossing the line between entertainment and prayer).  But it quickly grew on me.  I found the monologues to be helpful in “becoming a witness” to the scene, to see the various points-of-view of those present, and the accompanying music really sets the pace and mood.  Given a more relaxed, meditative setting, I can really see myself getting transplanted to that time, to be a participant along the Via Dolorosa.

Check out some samples here: The Living Stations on iTunes.

I’m all about using audio accompaniments during prayer: it frees my mind more when I can cede one or two of my senses to a guide (of sight, not having to view pictures or read off a page, and of sound, tuning out present distractions and simply listening to prompts).  The Living Stations of The Cross thus becomes my eyes and ears for me, and provides a meaningful, sensory-filled experience of what Christ endured for all of us.

I’ve been reading about other bloggers’ opinions on the Roman Missal app for the iPhone/iPod/iPad.  The purpose being for our priests to use a device (namely, the book-size iPad) to read from during Mass, replacing that ginormous red book with all sorts of ribbons hanging out of it. 

The opinions range, and I agree with certain points from both sides.  Yes, it does make it convenient.  It’s smaller.  It’s portable.  It’s easily updated.  It’ll bring up the readings for the day in a snap.  It can zoom in for those aging priests with poor eyesight. 

On the other hand, I can’t imagine the lecter holding an iPad up high during the processional–nor the priest or deacon during the Gospel. The Curt Jester had an idea of binding it in leather to make it less conspicuous; I thought maybe it could be imbedded into the old Roman Missal book–though kind of defeating the purpose of the “upgrade.” 

Still, I don’t want knowing our beloved priests or deacons are reverencing an Apple touch screen with a kiss after reading from it. 

(On that note… can we use the iPad to swear oaths in a court of law or public ceremony [as an inauguration of a president, say] if the iPad contained a Bible?  I have the Bible on my iPhone… will that work just as well?  What if I took just the microchip on which it is stored out, and used that?  It’s the same thing, right?  Definitely an idea to flesh out: how and when do written words transfer significance–holiness, even–to the object carrying it, that the object becomes worthy of reverence?)

I tried justifying for both ends of this, but it ultimately came down to answering the one, the only important question I ask myself before any decision:

“Is it pleasing to God?” 

I don’t think using the Roman Missal on the iPad is.  Namely that the device is employed solely for CONVENIENCE, not BENEFIT.  It’s just making things easier, not better.  We’ve done fine with the book for centuries.  To me that translates that we are getting lazy in our worship.  So I say no.

To learn more about how our early Church celebrated the Mass, check out Mike Aquilina’s The Mass of the Early Christians.  Aquilina is the eminent Church historian on this subject.  We’re fortunate that he agreed to be interviewed by us.  Check it out here: Mike Aquilina interview.

In his book, Aquilina examines original sources to trace the origin of our Mass from the time of Jesus, the original Apostles, and up until the Fourth Century.  It is a great book to help one understand how we came to do what we do in today’s Liturgy, and, most especially, why we do it. 

I wonder if it’s available for download to an iPad?