Meaning: The quote you've provided comes from Hans Küng, a Swiss Catholic priest, theologian, and prolific author. In this quote, Küng is referring to the changes brought about by the Second Vatican Council, also known as Vatican II, which took place from 1962 to 1965. The council was a significant event in the history of the Catholic Church, as it sought to modernize and reform various aspects of the Church's practices and doctrines.

The quote specifically mentions two key changes that were implemented as a result of Vatican II. The first change mentioned is the reform of the liturgy, or the form and content of the Church's public worship. Prior to Vatican II, the liturgy was primarily conducted in Latin, which was the universal language of the Roman Catholic Church. However, one of the most notable changes brought about by Vatican II was the permission for the liturgy to be celebrated in the vernacular languages of the people. This meant that the prayers, readings, and other elements of the Mass could be translated and conducted in the local languages spoken by the faithful, rather than solely in Latin. This shift was intended to make the liturgy more accessible and understandable to the laity, allowing them to more fully participate and engage in the worship experience.

The second change mentioned in the quote is the emphasis on creating a more authentic liturgy of the people of God. This reflects a broader goal of Vatican II, which was to renew and revitalize the Church by encouraging greater participation and involvement of the laity. The Council sought to emphasize the role of all members of the Church, not just the clergy, in the life and mission of the Church. By promoting a more inclusive and participatory approach to the liturgy, Vatican II aimed to foster a sense of community and shared responsibility among the faithful.

Hans Küng, as a theologian, was a prominent figure during the time of Vatican II and was known for his progressive views on reforming the Catholic Church. He was a strong advocate for the changes brought about by the Council, including the reforms to the liturgy and the promotion of greater participation by the laity. Küng's support for these changes aligns with his broader theological perspectives, which often emphasized the need for the Church to adapt and evolve in response to the needs of the modern world.

Overall, the quote from Hans Küng encapsulates the significance of the changes to the liturgy and the role of the laity that were brought about by Vatican II. These changes marked a significant shift in the practice and experience of the Catholic faith, aiming to make it more accessible, relevant, and participatory for the people of God. The legacy of Vatican II continues to shape the life of the Catholic Church to this day, and the reforms it initiated have had a lasting impact on the way the Church worships and engages with its members.