Opus Dei featured again on Rorate Caeli

More pride and lack of charity (coupled with a generous dose of ignorance) from the commenters at Rorate Caeli - once again (see here for their last piece) they're taking it upon themselves to judge the Opus Dei on its commitment to the Extraordinary Form. Yawn.

Here's one of the stupidest comments:

mairedecortichon said...

'This " middle path" behavior is seen by St Thomas Aquinas as an intellectual mediocrity, because this behavior does not seek the defense of absolute truth, but tries to conform itself to the prevailing mood in the Church, they did it after the council, and they are doing it now, as this Pope is trying to bring some more sacred elements in the liturgy'

They constantly denigrate the Novus Ordo Mass which Pope Benedict celebrates and has affirmed is the Ordinary form for the Church. And then they have the arrogance to say that members of Opus Dei are opposing the Holy Father's programme of bringing more sacred elements into the liturgy. They also conveniently forget the praise that Pope Benedict has for the Opus Dei.

What they mean is: if you're not dour, whining, narrow-minded and extreme like them, looking down on everything that seems modern, you are intellectually mediocre.

Anyway - who gave them the role of Extraordinary Form police?

Thankfully there are some - including a contributor to Rorate Celi itself - who do bring some fairness into the discussion.

I liked this anonymous comment, refering to the one above:

Based on my personal experience (and that alone), Opus Dei is not concerned about anything other than the salvation of souls. Period. And, in keeping with the virtue of prudence, one must realize that the salvation of souls involves different tactics in different contexts.

BTW, the comment of "mairedecor...whatever" is a classic example of the "straw man' tactic...misdefine the opponent's position, then attack the false position. So classic that it should be used as a teaching case in Rhetoric Courses. But also could be used in Moral Theology courses as an example of how to act unjustly.

and this:

"The praises of the founder of Opus Dei by cardinals and the like that you'll see in the Opus Dei literature are mostly from liberals."

That list also includes, prominently, Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger.

As well: it damns by association, a fallacy, and as noted here, an injustice.

"While I'm at it, let me warn you that beneath the undoubted sincerity and piety of the members of Opus Dei is an ultimately incoherent set of principles that are not at all traditional by any definition, and of dubious orthodoxy for good measure. But demonstrating that is a matter for another day."

To fallacies we also add slander?

I have been around the Work for 25+ years. NEVER have I heard, seen, or read anything on retreats, at Mass, etc, that was other than orthodox teaching on the moral and faith level. Period.

Yes, they emphasize freedom, but never license; yes, they work quietly, but offer their work for the Pope and all souls.

Even you, who slander them.

If some members of the Work are tepid about Trads, well, there might be a reason.

The members of the Work I know would also forgive, right away.