Let's All Say Consubstantial

I'm on the change train.
I was excited to go to Mass today and use the new translation or corrected translation or revised translation. I went to my parish workshop, I read about the change in our bulletin and other publications, I saw a video on the change, and I discussed the change in Bible study.

Our priest spoke before Mass began about the new pamphlets in the pews that we need to use along with the reasoning behind the change. Mass began, and we stuttered through it including the priest. At least 3/4 of the people said, "And also with you" instead of "With your spirit." Wait, did I miss the Gloria? What happened to the Gloria? Again, Father G. reminded us to use our pamphlets. Before the Profession of Faith Father discussed the "I" instead of "We" and consubstantial.

My poor father who is legally blind was unable to even read the LARGE PRINT pamphlet. He went to the workshop too in preparation. He ordered important publications for both us, so we could be prepared. He was eager for the change, yet he was saying all the wrong things. He really is into theology. I'll have to make time to review the changes with him again.

At the end of Mass, Father said it was like saying his first Mass all over again because he stumbled over unfamiliar words and phrases too. But he has faith that we will all get the hang of it. And we will. Week by week we will  speak more and more in unison. But in the meantime, I like the newness of the Mass. I like being mindful. I like the fact that this is an opportunity to delve deeper into the mysteries of our faith. I like the fact we are exploring our relationship with the Trinity. I like the fact that we are improving communication with the presider and God. I like that we are another mile or two ahead on our spiritual journey. 

There are those who are complaining about the new translation as if it's too difficult. Sure it may be difficult, but that does not mean we are incapable. Sure, it may be hard to understand, but we have our entire lives to try to understand. Aren't we always growing in understanding? Isn't that the point? We are poised for growth, and God is giving us plenty of room for that growth to occur.

Consubstantial may be an unfamiliar and wieldly word, but it is an AWESOME word.

Lord, thank you for making me capable of spiritual growth. Thank you for giving me this life to explore and revel in my relationship with you. Thank you for waking us up at Mass, so we are mindful and not robots. Lord, may all the complainers learn to appreciate the beauty of the Mass and please overlook our humanness as we struggle to get it right. 

Priest Girls and their Tambourines

What would look even stranger to me is to see a women priest. If I were at a Mass where there was one, I don't think I would really be at a Mass.

Check out these blog posts: http://wdtprs.com/blog/2011/11/fishwrap-promotes-a-sermon-by-a-wywymprystess/

http://actsoftheapostasy.wordpress.com/2011/11/22/how-to-write-a-womynpreest-homily/

Who remembers Tracy Partridge?

Seminarian, Dipping, Begging God for Help

Today's visiting priest was Father Norbert. He was Priest A from last week. But he didn't give a homily. Instead we had a first-year seminarian who spoke about answering God's call. I'm calling the seminarian BK because those are his initials. BK tied his speech into the reading quite nicely. He was also wearing a nice suit and tie. When was the last time I saw man in a suit and tie? It's been a really long time.

BK said he was engaged then felt a pull towards the priesthood. That's all well and good, but I couldn't help but think that somewhere out there is a youngish woman with a broken heart.  BK's story was very touching, and afterwards I told him so. I think it's important we encourage our priests and priests-to-be.

I was a communion minister today. I had the cup. One woman kept drinking and drinking. I thought she was going to drink the entire contents of the cup. Another woman dipped her host, which is a big NO-NO. I think I was suppose to stop her from doing that.

Afterwards I met with a friend, and we saw The Dolphin Tale. My friend is quite depressed and nervous because she works in a psychologically unhealthy place. She's sensitive to the fact that I am unemployed and wish I had a job. I once worked in that same psychologically unhealthy place. We're both looking for new jobs. I told her to keep on trying and hoping. I know I keep hoping. I hope then I cry. Then I hope and then I cry. Intermingled in this hoping and crying is the searching. But if I didn't have hope. I would be in DESPAIR. But really, what choice do I have?

Dear God, PLEASE give me strength to get through this job search. Dear God, please take care of my material needs (food, shelter) because I can barely take care of them myself. Dear God, please let my resume land in the hands of the right person or in front of the eyes of the right person. Dear God, please, please, please. I beg you for a job. Dear God, don't throw me out on the street, penniless. Dear God, please HELP.

Two Priests, Canticle of the Turning, Unemployment

Really, I ought to take notes during Mass, so I can get the details rights except I don't think we should be taking notes during Mass.

We had two visiting priests say Mass today. Priest A introduced himself and the other priest (Priest B). Father A said Father B is not only ordained in the Western Rite, but is also approved to say Mass in the Eastern Byzantine Rite. I wonder how he got approval. Did he attend a special training session? I wish I had asked him after Mass.

Today's recessional song was "Canticle of the Turning," which I like for it's liveliness. I'm pasting the lyrics here:

1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout
that the God of my heart is great,
And my spirit sings of the wondrous things
that you bring to the ones who wait.
You fixed your sight on your servant's plight,
and my weakness you did not spurn,
So from east to west shall my name be blest.
Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain
My heart shall sing of the day you bring.
Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,
and the world is about to turn!

2. Though I am small, my God, my all,
you work great things in me,
And your mercy will last from the depths of the past
to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame,
and to those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight,
for the world is about to turn.

3. From the halls of power to the fortress tower,
not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears
ev'ry tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn;
There are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn.

4. Though the nations rage from age to age,
we remember who holds us fast:
God's mercy must deliver us
from the conqueror's crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forebears heard
is the promise which holds us bound,
'Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God,
who is turning the world around.

The lyrics speak to me too.


Finally, I pray to God that someone, somewhere is impressed by my resume.