Giving God His due, with minimum exertion

"Elements of the rite tend to be neglected and, in the end, disappear altogether, in direct proportion to the number of options by virtue of which they may be replaced or modified."

I shall call this Dom Mark's Law and I see evidence of the law's validity in realities in all spheres of life.

Although what he is discussing has become most familiar, to those of us with an interest in Liturgy and Liturgical music, as the Fearsome Fourth, the Anthrax in the Envelope,the alius cantus aptus, the GIRM's 4th option for accompanying the entrance, offertory and communion "processions."

I might insert, after "number of options," "which require less effort or thought" by the persons with responsibility for choosing among the options, but that's a minor quibble.