January 27, 2012

Letters to the Editor

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No letters were printed this week; here is the letter from last week:

New Catholic welcomes new Mass translation

The new translation of the Roman Missal has elicited many responses, both negative and positive.

For many of us, the new translation elevates the language of the Mass, and stimulates a more profound meditation of the mysteries. The arguments against it seem rather poor. Let’s think about what people are saying.

Many people are complaining that this is an unnecessary change that disrupts how people have been doing things for decades.

First of all, the people’s responses are only minutely altered and adhere more closely to the Latin, and offer a more erudite response that is fitting for standing before the living God.

Secondly, these same people forget the enormous burden foisted upon those in the 1970s. The language and order of the Mass were drastically altered and, to this day, many prefer to celebrate in this fashion. The people and priests complaining now are often the same ones that pushed for radical change in the first place. Are they basically saying, “All right for me, but not for thee?”

Another argument put forward in a recent edition of The Criterion is the cost. Yes, it was apparently acceptable to gut fabulous churches and adopt new practices decades ago, but new missals and pew cards are an unacceptable burden.

Being the father of four small children, I understand how difficult the financial situation is for most people. But being a Catholic, I understand that our worship of God deserves our very best. The cost of buying missals and educational materials is relatively small, and the return is priceless. Remember, Jesus praised Mary for anointing him and not giving it to the poor.

One final argument—the language is too hard—is condescending. Too hard? The common person in the pews is a potential saint, and we should not disparage their intellectual aptitude.

As someone who recently became Catholic, I welcome the new translation and encourage all to listen deeply to the more eloquent prayers instead of complaining.

We all are annoyed by something—hand holding at Mass for me—but let us make sure we are angry about the right things for the right reasons.

- Scott Embry | Clarksville

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