[Greek] ἀντέχω (antechō), [Latin] antiquare: to hold against, to make something old (antiquated), to make old fashioned, to hold firmly to, to hold fast, to cling to, to reject, to be devoted to, to hold tightly to; Mt.6:24, Lk.16:13, 1Thess.5:14, Tit.1:9
Port-Royal-des-Champs Abbey espoused the heretical teachings of Jansenism against the Catholic Church.
Background information:
Old Testament: This term means to do something in one’s interest, to cleave to, to take up, and to hold fast. Get up, lift the boy up and hold him by the hand (Gen.21:18). Be strong and steadfast, so that you may give this people possession of the land I swore to their ancestors that I would give them (Jos.1:6). This is the covenant between men and you and your descendants after you must keep. So his brothers were furious at him but his father observed the saying (Gen.37:11).
New Testament: This term means to assist someone, to hold fast to a teaching, and to be devoted (to serve) a master. Jesus teaches about focusing on worldly possessions. As one can only serve one master, he must choose between God or wealth. One cannot be devoted to both masters. One also must be devoted to helping the weak and vulnerable. Paul calls upon Titus to hold fast to the true teachings in order to pronounce sound doctrine and refute opponents.
Scripture:
“No one can serve two masters. He will either hate one and love the other, or be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon.” Mt.6:24
Jesus states the timeless message that one cannot serve (“worship”) both God and money. One will eventually despise or be devoted to one or the other.
“Holding fast to the true message as taught so that he will be able both to exhort with sound doctrine and to refute opponents.” Tit.1:9
People want to hear the truth of the Gospel message in order to be enriched. People need to have the truth (not watered down) in order to proclaim the gospel. People need the truth in order to refute opponents and confusion.
Antiquarian: This person (and title), a position existing since ancient times, is an aficionado or student of antiquities or things of the past. Antiquarians focus on the empirical evidence of the past. Items of interest include books, maps, trinkets, manuscripts, and other items. In early history an antiquarian was an author or orator who liked to use archaic or outdated forms of speech. The antiquarian book collector becomes the precursor to the modern bookseller.
The Vicomte de Bragelonne (by Alexandre Dumas): This novel follows his book The Three Musketeers. The narrative is set between 1660 and 1673 against the background of the transformation of Louis XIV from child monarch to Sun King. In the novel Vicomte de Bragelonne, Monsieur Jean de La Fontaine states “I persist,–antecho, as they say at Port Royal.” Port-Royal-des Champs, a Christian abbey, became a hot-bed of Jansenism, which emphasized original sin, human depravity, and the necessity of divine grace and predestination. Jansenism ultimately was declared a heresy. This abbey evoked opposition both from the Catholic Church and French monarchy.
Resurgence of the Traditional Latin Mass (TLM): Also known as ad orientem (to the east), this service essentially means that the priest offers Mass (Eucharist) on the same side of the altar as the people. Interestingly, the younger generations of priests are becoming increasingly drawn to this rite. In addition, more and more young priests are also wearing the more traditional garments. Perhaps more significantly, Millenials (and others) in recent years are becoming increasingly attracted to this traditional rite. In fact, in some parishes, the Traditional Latin Mass has actually helped to revive struggling parishes.
Conclusion:
Antique, antiquarian, antiquated
This term is used quite extensively in the Old Testament. As with the New Testament, holding fast correlates with exhorting, upholding, and following teachings. Jesus also illustrates the timeless notion that one cannot serve both God and mammon (money/wealth). Taken too far, money (wealth) can become like a god. It is interesting to note that being devoted to can also involve helping others, serving gods, and upholding teachings.
As in past times, the Church has faced heresies and ambiguous church issues (which required further clarification). In any generation of believers, it is important for one to clearly understand and convey the correct doctrine and faith. Sometimes, events required that doctrine be further clarified to remove confusion among believers. The Church refuted and claimed that Jansenism was a heresy.
In Alexandre Dumas’s book, Jean de la Fontaine makes reference to Port Royal, the abbey which resisted the Church’s teachings. One perhaps can also refer to this term as one who resists in accepting new ideas and teachings.
For over 2000 years, the Church and society has accepted the traditional understanding of marriage between a man and woman. However, in recent years, the secular world (and culture) has redefined this definition of marriage in more modern ways. Some churches (and others) have accepted this newer definition. However, other churches (and others) have held fast to the traditional definition of marriage. As a result, some critics (who favor this newer definition) have often accused the more traditionally minded folks as being hateful. If these critics are to be honest with themselves, they must conclude that these beliefs come from God. Then God must be hateful!
I think it is very significant to make note of the interest and resurgence of the Traditional Latin Mass. It is quite fascinating that this phenomenon would appeal to the younger generations. Perhaps, it is because the young people are searching for tradition, the sacred, reverence, and a deeper meaning of the Mass (perhaps because they are not currently finding it now). Young people and others often not surprisingly are seeking to find deeper meaning and truth in the midst of the shallowness (emptiness) in the culture (world). It is no wonder why there has been an increasing interest in this rite.
When it is all said and done, whose ideas do you hold fast to? God’s or the secular world’s?