Is Traditional Catholicism Under Attack? James Lu on Liturgy, History & Hope | Lectio & Life Ep #6

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Welcome to Lectio & Life, where faith, scholarship, and experience intersect. In this episode, Andrew Haddad sits down with James Lu, a seasoned risk and audit professional with experience spanning the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney, Ernst & Young, and soon Westpac.

James brings a robust academic lens, holding First Class Honours in Studies in Religion (focusing on Church history like the Thirty Years' War) from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Theology with a Philosophy major from Notre Dame Australia. As a Lay Dominican and a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, his insights bridge deep faith commitment with historical understanding and professional acumen.

Together, they dive deep into the heart of Catholic identity today, tackling pressing questions and tensions surrounding faith, tradition, and the Church's place in the modern world.

Explore:

• Liturgy & Tradition: Why does the Latin Mass evoke such strong feelings? We unpack the significance of communion, the historical context of the Tridentine Mass vs. the Novus Ordo, the impact of Vatican II, the distinct roles of priest and laity, and the importance of reverence and language (like Latin) in worship.
• Faith Under Pressure: Journey to China to understand the resilience of Catholicism facing persecution, the complex dynamics between the Church and state (including the arrest of Bishop Thaddeus), and historical parallels to today's challenges.
• History & Personal Faith: How understanding Church history enriches our personal connection to God. We discuss the role of the daily gospel, the call to humility inspired by Christ, the vital importance of community, and personal experiences within the ancient Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre.
• Modern Catholic Life: From navigating arguments about faith healthily to the surprising discussion on the importance of professional attire as a reflection of self-respect and dignity, informed by James's corporate experience.

This wide-ranging discussion, enriched by James Lu's unique background, emphasizes the need for unity, the crucial role of tradition, and the enduring power of faith amidst contemporary struggles.

CHAPTERS0:00:00 Reconnecting After a Long Time (Intro James Lu)0:05:06 Debating Liturgy and Tradition0:10:03 Reading and Reflecting on the Daily Gospel0:14:42 Personal Growth and Spiritual Practices0:31:55 Journey of Faith: From Childhood to University0:37:10 Mental Health and Academic Pressure0:42:45 Upskilling and Personal Development0:53:20 The Resilience of Faith in China0:57:41 Cultural Reflections: Faith and Community1:06:32 Political Dynamics: Religion and Governance in China1:11:40 The Importance of Dressing Well1:16:16 Tailoring and Fashion Insights1:24:51 Membership and Spirituality in the Order (Equestrian Order)1:30:04 Exploring the Holy Sepulchre1:34:17 Becoming a Knight: The Process and Privileges1:44:30 The Historical Context of the Tridentine Mass1:52:58 The Distinction Between Old and New Rites1:57:53 The Symbolism of Sacrifice in Liturgy2:02:00 Obedience and Changes in the Clergy2:08:57 The Importance of the Holy Spirit in Liturgy2:17:11 Theological Debates on the Filioque2:24:18 Exploring the Post-Kipping Union Prayer2:29:30 The Use of Extraordinary Ministers in Communion2:33:18 Sacrificial Elements in the Liturgy2:38:18 Learning Latin for the Liturgy

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