Catholic Sensibility

John Allen's take on Liturgy Translations If you don't have it bookmarked, just do it now and check it each Friday. http://www.nationalcatholicreporter.org/word/ Allen reports the new English translation is not going as quickly as some had hoped. Good thing, too. Roman Missal I got a quickie job, and we're still stuck with that. Allen's conclusion on the hope of seeing something new by 2005: "Those predictions now seem hasty." My comment: "Told ya." Allen reports we will likely see a new Sacramentary before the Order of Mass is published, which is probably a good development. The Sacramentary is done and whatever its flaws, needs to get out there. On the Order of Mass, Bishops, CDWS, ICEL, and other players seem to be hammering out particulars. As has been done in the past. I think a quick appearance of the Order of Mass might be Advent 2007. At any rate, don't be so quick to trot out "and with your spirit's" so soon. I think the draft widely circulated on the internet earlier this year will bear little resemblance to the final product. "Fr. Bruce Harbert, executive secretary of ICEL, told NCR August 2 that he welcomes this development because "it gives time for the project to mature."" Good thinking. At least the bishops showed a little pastoral forethought (if not some spine) on this one. "Some bishops are also concerned about the ecumenical implications of changes in the language of worship. Ecumenical observers say one of the signal ecumenical achievements in recent decades has been the adoption of common prayer texts in English by most of the major Christian denominations, and some bishops are reluctant to compromise that." More sensible thinking emerging here. Do I detect a little light in the east? "Finally, Harbert said, the bishops also want to think more about the issues surrounding inclusive language." And these issues do need some more thinking. Bishops have presented inclusive language promoters some movement as well as asked concessions over the past twentysome years. They risk losing even more credibility by not acknowledging the issues still on the table. Turning the clock back (especially after having asked for concessions) just sets a poor example, and might encourage more outright rejection of the new translations in some quarters. Finding a workable middle ground that expresses faithful loyalty (both ways) as well as nods to the changing English language will help -- not hurt -- the Church. Guess that means I'll have to head to Lowe's for some more red duct tape.