Msg Base:  AREA 3  - ASK FATHER (AMDG)
  Msg No: 124.  Tue 10-20-92 19:37  (NO KILL)
    From: Father Mateo
      To: Mark Sullivan
 Subject: Scripture closures

MS|I don't understand why the American Catholic bishops have decided to
  |change the words following the readings at mass to "the Word of the Lord"
  |as opposed to "This is the Word of the Lord"
  |The bishops have really reduced the worship in the mass a great deal by
  |changing these words.  The current version reflects a proclamation that
  |these words are truly sacred scripture. The newer version merely downplays
  |the importance of scripture. It almost says it in a short trivial sense.
  |I don't like it a bit.  I understand that this format is to be instituted
  |by Advent 1992 by all dioceses and parishes across the U.S.  It seems that
  |the bishops have a lot to more to work on that to change the statements
  |following the reading.  Personally I feel that the new approach is very
  |offensive to our faith.  Next thing, instead of replying after the Gospel,
  |"Praise to you Lord, Jesus Christ", the bishops will sustitute "Lord Jesus
  |Christ"
 
Dear Mark,
 
Next time you're around your parish church, take a look at the
Sacramentary used on the altar at Mass.  In Appendix IV on page 1056,
you will see the official Latin text of the words following the
Scripture readings.  As you know, the English we hear at the Mass is
an approved translation of the official Latin text.
 
After the readings, the reader or deacon or celebrant is instructed
to proclaim: VERBUM DOMINI ("The Word of the Lord").  This same
closure is used after ALL readings, including the Gospel.  After the
first reading (or on Sundays, the first two readings), the people
answer DEO GRATIAS ("Thanks to God").  After the Gospel, the people
answer LAUS TIBI, CHRISTE ("Praise to you, Christ").
 
By their decision of March 25, 1992, the U.S. Conference of Catholic
Bishops have made mandatory as of February 28, 1993 these closures:
after the first and second readings, "The Word of the Lord"; after
the Gospel, "The Gospel of the Lord".
 
As you see, the new closure, "The Word of the Lord", is closer to the
official text than what we have been hearing.  The new closure to the
Gospel is not a literal translation of the official text.  Both new
closures were confirmed by Rome on February 27, 1992.  On the whole,
the changes bring us closer to the official Latin text.
 
                                        Sincerely in Christ,
 
 
 
                                        Father Mateo