New Mass responses raise questions

The new/old responses being reintroduced at Mass raise questions, and Bishop Edward Risi’s commentary on these changes (November 5-11) raises yet more questions.

When the Mass responses were first introduced in the vernacular, there was a certain joy and relief that we were now praying and worshipping God in our own language. The people of God have got used to the responses, and are comfortable with them; it serves to confuse by rearranging words and introducing phrases and words that are archaic, stilted and unfamiliar. For example: “And with your spirit”.

The word “just” is not an everyday word (“it is right and just”); asking Our Lord to “come under my roof” does not convey the loving invitation one wants to extend at this precious moment. Striking one’s breast while repeating “through my fault” was discontinued, and seems outdated and stilted. There are other changes too which seem to consist merely of rearranging words.

Bishop Risi gives the reason for the changes as that they are more faithful to the Latin—a dead language, discarded by the Church and no longer used in our worship—and more faithful to holy scripture’s direct translation. But scripture is best translated into everyday, living language.

Again, the decision not to invoke Our Lady’s intercession with the prayers of intercession, requires an explanation. Mary was present at the foot of the cross and at the first Mass, surely interceding for us then and for all time. Again, it would be welcomed by many if inclusive language was used at Mass. Most present are women, yet they are asked to pray as “sons of God”, for “us men”. This does nothing for devotional worship.

Though it has already been decided to introduce these changes, and response leaflets have been distributed in thousands, we must trust that with God’s help our devotion and love of the Mass will not diminish.

Sr M Shanley IBVM, Cape Town