Today's Mass Readings in the Catholic Church December 28 2020

Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs

Lectionary: 698

Reading 1

1 JN 1:5—2:2

Beloved:

This is the message that we have heard from Jesus Christ

and proclaim to you:

God is light, and in him there is no darkness at all.

If we say, “We have fellowship with him,” 

while we continue to walk in darkness,

we lie and do not act in truth.

But if we walk in the light as he is in the light,

then we have fellowship with one another,

and the Blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin.

If we say, “We are without sin,”

we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

If we acknowledge our sins, he is faithful and just 

and will forgive our sins and cleanse us from every wrongdoing.

If we say, “We have not sinned,” we make him a liar, 

and his word is not in us.

My children, I am writing this to you

so that you may not commit sin.

But if anyone does sin, we have an Advocate with the Father, 

Jesus Christ the righteous one.

He is expiation for our sins,

and not for our sins only but for those of the whole world. 

Responsorial Psalm

PS 124:2-3, 4-5, 7CD-8

R. (7) Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Had not the LORD been with us—

When men rose up against us,

then would they have swallowed us alive,

When their fury was inflamed against us.

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Then would the waters have overwhelmed us;

The torrent would have swept over us;

over us then would have swept the raging waters.

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

Broken was the snare,

and we were freed.

Our help is in the name of the LORD,

who made heaven and earth.

R. Our soul has been rescued like a bird from the fowler’s snare.

 

Alleluia 

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

We praise you, O God,

we acclaim you as Lord;

the white-robed army of martyrs praise you.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

MT 2:13-18

When the magi had departed, behold,

the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said,

“Rise, take the child and his mother, flee to Egypt,

and stay there until I tell you.

Herod is going to search for the child to destroy him.”

Joseph rose and took the child and his mother by night

and departed for Egypt.

He stayed there until the death of Herod,

that what the Lord had said through the prophet might be fulfilled,

Out of Egypt I called my son.

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi,

he became furious.

He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity

two years old and under,

in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.

Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

A voice was heard in Ramah,

sobbing and loud lamentation;

Rachel weeping for her children,

and she would not be consoled,

since they were no more.

December 28: Feast of the Holy Innocents in the Catholic Church

Today is the feast day of the Holy Innocents, the boys under the age of 2 killed by King Herod in his attempt to murder the Messiah as a young child. It is recounted in the Book of Matthew. Here is the verse (Matthew Chapter 2: 16-18):

The Massacre of the Infants.

16

When Herod realized that he had been deceived by the magi, he became furious. He ordered the massacre of all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had ascertained from the magi.

17

Then was fulfilled what had been said through Jeremiah the prophet:

18

“A voice was heard in Ramah,

sobbing and loud lamentation;

Rachel weeping for her children,

and she would not be consoled,

since they were no more.”

There is debate as to the exact number of children killed during this massacre. According to the Catholic Encyclopedia, the estimate ranges from a handful of children killed to several thousand. The important part is that the king was desperate to kill a child who could threaten his reign. This is important because many Jews expected the Messiah to be a great military leader who would vanquish the enemies of the Jews.

It is believed that the relics of the bodies of some of the Innocents are located in the major basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls in Rome.

These children are considered martyrs in deed but not in will, as obviously a child under the age of 2 cannot consent in any way to martyrdom.

Martyrdom this week in the Catholic Church

 

Living Life Through the Lens of Scripture (and Podcast Announcement!)

This is the program I will be partaking in starting in January. I think it can be very valuable. Fr. Mike Schmitz goes a great job of summarizing the need for such a program.

To my loyal readers: that includes you!

I just wanted to do a quick shout-out. I haven't written an article in the last couple of days. But never fear, I will be continuing with the articles shortly. As you know, this is the Christmas season and things can get busy with family gatherings and other things during this time of rest. Thanks for your support of this blog. If you would like a particular topic to be addressed, please feel free to leave a comment! Have a great day!

“The Gospel notes that ‘there was no place for them at the inn’ (Luke 2:7). This statement. Recalling the text in John’s Prologue: ‘His own people received him not’ (John 1:11), foretells as it were the many refusals Jesus will meet during his earthly life. The phrase ‘for them’ joins the Son and the Mother in this rejections and shows how Mary is already associated with her Son’s destiny of suffering and shares his redeeming mission.”

 

Readings for the Feast of the Holy Family in the Catholic Church - December 27 2020

Readings for the Feast Day of The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Lectionary: 17

Reading 1

SIR 3:2-6, 12-14

God sets a father in honor over his children;

a mother’s authority he confirms over her sons.

Whoever honors his father atones for sins,

and preserves himself from them.

When he prays, he is heard;

he stores up riches who reveres his mother.

Whoever honors his father is gladdened by children,

and, when he prays, is heard.

Whoever reveres his father will live a long life;

he who obeys his father brings comfort to his mother.

My son, take care of your father when he is old;

grieve him not as long as he lives.

Even if his mind fail, be considerate of him;

revile him not all the days of his life;

kindness to a father will not be forgotten,

firmly planted against the debt of your sins

—a house raised in justice to you.

or 

Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3

The word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying:

“Fear not, Abram!

I am your shield;

I will make your reward very great.”

But Abram said,

“O Lord GOD, what good will your gifts be,

if I keep on being childless

and have as my heir the steward of my house, Eliezer?”

Abram continued,

“See, you have given me no offspring,

and so one of my servants will be my heir.”

Then the word of the LORD came to him:

“No, that one shall not be your heir;

your own issue shall be your heir.”

The Lord took Abram outside and said,

“Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can.

Just so,” he added, “shall your descendants be.”

Abram put his faith in the LORD,

who credited it to him as an act of righteousness.

The LORD took note of Sarah as he had said he would;

he did for her as he had promised.

Sarah became pregnant and bore Abraham a son in his old age,

at the set time that God had stated.

Abraham gave the name Isaac to this son of his

whom Sarah bore him.

Responsorial Psalm

PS 128:1-2, 3, 4-5.

R. (cf. 1) Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD,

who walks in his ways!

For you shall eat the fruit of your handiwork;

blessed shall you be, and favored.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine

in the recesses of your home;

your children like olive plants

around your table.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

Behold, thus is the man blessed

who fears the LORD.

The LORD bless you from Zion:

may you see the prosperity of Jerusalem

all the days of your life.

R. Blessed are those who fear the Lord and walk in his ways.

or

Ps 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9

R. (7a , 8a) The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

Give thanks to the LORD, invoke his name;

make known among the nations his deeds.

Sing to him, sing his praise,

proclaim all his wondrous deeds.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

Glory in his holy name;

rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!

Look to the LORD in his strength;

constantly seek his face.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

You descendants of Abraham, his servants,

sons of Jacob, his chosen ones!

He, the LORD, is our God;

throughout the earth his judgments prevail.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

He remembers forever his covenant

which he made binding for a thousand generations

which he entered into with Abraham

and by his oath to Isaac.

R. The Lord remembers his covenant for ever.

 

Reading 2

COL 3:12-21 

Brothers and sisters:

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,

heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

bearing with one another and forgiving one another, 

if one has a grievance against another; 

as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

And over all these put on love, 

that is, the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, 

the peace into which you were also called in one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, 

as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, 

singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs 

with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, 

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Wives, be subordinate to your husbands, 

as is proper in the Lord.

Husbands, love your wives, 

and avoid any bitterness toward them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, 

for this is pleasing to the Lord.

Fathers, do not provoke your children, 

so they may not become discouraged.

Or

Col 3:12-17

Brothers and sisters:

Put on, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved,

heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,

bearing with one another and forgiving one another, 

if one has a grievance against another; 

as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do.

And over all these put on love, 

that is, the bond of perfection.

And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, 

the peace into which you were also called in one body.

And be thankful.

Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, 

as in all wisdom you teach and admonish one another, 

singing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs 

with gratitude in your hearts to God.

And whatever you do, in word or in deed, 

do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, 

giving thanks to God the Father through him. 

Or

Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19

Brothers and sisters:

By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place

that he was to receive as an inheritance;

he went out, not knowing where he was to go.

By faith he received power to generate,

even though he was past the normal age

--and Sarah herself was sterile--

for he thought that the one who had made the promise was trustworthy.

So it was that there came forth from one man,

himself as good as dead,

descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky

and as countless as the sands on the seashore.

By faith Abraham, when put to the test, offered up Isaac, 

and he who had received the promises was ready to offer

his only son,

of whom it was said,

“Through Isaac descendants shall bear your name.”

He reasoned that God was able to raise even from the dead,

and he received Isaac back as a symbol.

Alleluia 

COL 3:15A, 16A

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Let the peace of Christ control your hearts;

let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Or

Heb 1:1-2

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets;

in these last days, he has spoken to us through the Son.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

LK 2:22-40

When the days were completed for their purification 

according to the law of Moses, 

They took him up to Jerusalem

to present him to the Lord,

just as it is written in the law of the Lord, 

Every male that opens the womb shall be consecrated to the Lord, 

and to offer the sacrifice of

a pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons, 

in accordance with the dictate in the law of the Lord.

Now there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon.

This man was righteous and devout,

awaiting the consolation of Israel, 

and the Holy Spirit was upon him.

It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit 

that he should not see death 

before he had seen the Christ of the Lord.

He came in the Spirit into the temple; 

and when the parents brought in the child Jesus 

to perform the custom of the law in regard to him, 

He took him into his arms and blessed God, saying:

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go

in peace, according to your word,

for my eyes have seen your salvation,

which you prepared in sight of all the peoples,

a light for revelation to the Gentiles,

and glory for your people Israel.”

The child’s father and mother were amazed at what was said about him; 

and Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, 

“Behold, this child is destined 

for the fall and rise of many in Israel,

and to be a sign that will be contradicted 

—and you yourself a sword will pierce— 

so that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”

There was also a prophetess, Anna, 

the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher.

She was advanced in years, 

having lived seven years with her husband after her marriage, 

and then as a widow until she was eighty-four.

She never left the temple, 

but worshiped night and day with fasting and prayer.

And coming forward at that very time, 

she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child 

to all who were awaiting the redemption of Jerusalem. 

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions

of the law of the Lord,

they returned to Galilee,

to their own town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; 

and the favor of God was upon him.

Or

Lk 2:22, 39-40

When the days were completed for their purification 

according to the law of Moses, 

they took him up to Jerusalem

to present him to the Lord. 

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions

of the law of the Lord, 

they returned to Galilee,

to their own town of Nazareth.

The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; 

and the favor of God was upon him.

A meme about bringing young people back to Mass

 

Feast Day of the first Christian Martyr St. Stephen - December 26

Readings for the Feast of Saint Stephen, protomartyr, in the Catholic Church December 26 2020

Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr

Lectionary: 696

Reading 1

ACTS 6:8-10; 7:54-59

Stephen, filled with grace and power,

was working great wonders and signs among the people.

Certain members of the so-called Synagogue of Freedmen,

Cyrenians, and Alexandrians,

and people from Cilicia and Asia,

came forward and debated with Stephen,

but they could not withstand the wisdom and the spirit with which he spoke.

When they heard this, they were infuriated,

and they ground their teeth at him.

But he, filled with the Holy Spirit,

looked up intently to heaven

and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of God,

and he said,

“Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man

standing at the right hand of God.”

But they cried out in a loud voice, covered their ears,

and rushed upon him together.

They threw him out of the city, and began to stone him.

The witnesses laid down their cloaks

at the feet of a young man named Saul.  

As they were stoning Stephen, he called out

“Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.”

Responsorial Psalm

PS 31:3CD-4, 6 AND 8AB, 16BC AND 17

R. (6)  Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Be my rock of refuge,

a stronghold to give me safety.

You are my rock and my fortress;

for your name’s sake you will lead and guide me.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Into your hands I commend my spirit;

you will redeem me, O LORD, O faithful God.

I will rejoice and be glad because of your mercy.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

Rescue me from the clutches of my enemies and my persecutors.

Let your face shine upon your servant;

save me in your kindness.

R. Into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit.

  

Alleluia

PS 118:26A, 27A

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Blessed is he who comes in the name of the LORD:

the LORD is God and has given us light.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

MT 10:17-22

Jesus said to his disciples:

“Beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts

and scourge you in their synagogues,

and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake

as a witness before them and the pagans.

When they hand you over,

do not worry about how you are to speak

or what you are to say.

You will be given at that moment what you are to say.

For it will not be you who speak

but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Brother will hand over brother to death,

and the father his child;

children will rise up against parents and have them put to death.

You will be hated by all because of my name,

but whoever endures to the end will be saved.” 

Merry Christmas to all my Readers!

 

Christmas Morning Mass Catholic Church Readings December 25 2020

Readings for The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) - Dawn

Lectionary: 15

Reading 1

Is 62:11-12

See, the LORD proclaims

to the ends of the earth:

say to daughter Zion,

your savior comes!

Here is his reward with him,

his recompense before him.

They shall be called the holy people,

the redeemed of the LORD,

and you shall be called “Frequented,”

a city that is not forsaken.

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12.

Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12.

R/ A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

The LORD is king; let the earth rejoice;

   let the many isles be glad.

The heavens proclaim his justice,

   and all peoples see his glory.

R/ A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

Light dawns for the just;

   and gladness, for the upright of heart.

Be glad in the LORD, you just,

   and give thanks to his holy name.

R/ A light will shine on us this day: the Lord is born for us.

 

Reading 2

Ti 3:4-7

Beloved:

When the kindness and generous love 

of God our savior appeared,

 

not because of any righteous deeds we had done

but because of his mercy,

He saved us through the bath of rebirth

and renewal by the Holy Spirit,

whom he richly poured out on us

through Jesus Christ our savior,

so that we might be justified by his grace

and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

Alleluia

Lk 2:14

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Glory to God in the highest,

and on earth peace to those

on whom his favor rests.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 2:15-20

When the angels went away from them to heaven,

the shepherds said to one another, 

“Let us go, then, to Bethlehem

to see this thing that has taken place, 

which the Lord has made known to us.”

So they went in haste and found Mary and Joseph, 

and the infant lying in the manger.

When they saw this,

they made known the message

that had been told them about this child.

All who heard it were amazed

by what had been told them by the shepherds.

And Mary kept all these things,

reflecting on them in her heart.

Then the shepherds returned,

glorifying and praising God 

for all they had heard and seen, 

just as it had been told to them.

Keep the Χριστός in X-Mas!

 

Readings for Midnight Mass for Christmas in the Catholic Church December 24 2020

 The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) - Mass During the Night

Lectionary: 14

Reading 1

Is 9:1-6

The people who walked in darkness

have seen a great light;

upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom

a light has shone.

You have brought them abundant joy

and great rejoicing,

as they rejoice before you as at the harvest,

as people make merry when dividing spoils.

For the yoke that burdened them,

the pole on their shoulder,

and the rod of their taskmaster

you have smashed, as on the day of Midian.

For every boot that tramped in battle,

every cloak rolled in blood,

will be burned as fuel for flames.

For a child is born to us, a son is given us;

upon his shoulder dominion rests.

They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero,

Father-Forever, Prince of Peace.

His dominion is vast

and forever peaceful,

from David’s throne, and over his kingdom,

which he confirms and sustains

by judgment and justice,

both now and forever.

The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

Responsorial Psalm

Ps 96: 1-2, 2-3, 11-12, 13.

R. (Lk 2:11)  Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Sing to the LORD a new song;

   sing to the LORD, all you lands.

Sing to the LORD; bless his name.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Announce his salvation, day after day.

    Tell his glory among the nations;

    among all peoples, his wondrous deeds.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice;

   let the sea and what fills it resound;

   let the plains be joyful and all that is in them!

Then shall all the trees of the forest exult.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

They shall exult before the LORD, for he comes;

   for he comes to rule the earth.

He shall rule the world with justice

   and the peoples with his constancy.

R. Today is born our Savior, Christ the Lord.

Reading 2

Ti 2:11-14

Beloved:

The grace of God has appeared, saving all

and training us to reject godless ways and worldly desires

and to live temperately, justly, and devoutly in this age,

as we await the blessed hope,

the appearance of the glory of our great God

and savior Jesus Christ,

who gave himself for us to deliver us from all lawlessness

and to cleanse for himself a people as his own,

eager to do what is good.

Alleluia

Lk 2:10-11

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

I proclaim to you good news of great joy:

today a Savior is born for us,

Christ the Lord.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

Lk 2:1-14

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus

that the whole world should be enrolled.

This was the first enrollment,

when Quirinius was governor of Syria.

So all went to be enrolled, each to his own town.

And Joseph too went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth

to Judea, to the city of David that is called Bethlehem,

because he was of the house and family of David,

to be enrolled with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.

While they were there,

the time came for her to have her child,

and she gave birth to her firstborn son.

She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger,

because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields

and keeping the night watch over their flock.

The angel of the Lord appeared to them

and the glory of the Lord shone around them,

and they were struck with great fear.

The angel said to them,

“Do not be afraid;

for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy

that will be for all the people.

For today in the city of David

a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.

And this will be a sign for you:

you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes

and lying in a manger.”

And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel,

praising God and saying:

“Glory to God in the highest

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Christ says to love your neighbor, including your enemy! [meme]

 

Thursday in the Fourth Week of Advent - Mass in the Morning - December 24 2020 Catholic

Thursday in the Fourth Week of Advent - Mass in the Morning - December 24 2020

Lectionary: 200

Reading 1

2 SM 7:1-5, 8B-12, 14A, 16 

When King David was settled in his palace,

and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side,

he said to Nathan the prophet,

“Here I am living in a house of cedar,

while the ark of God dwells in a tent!” 

Nathan answered the king,

“Go, do whatever you have in mind,

for the LORD is with you.” 

But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said:

“Go, tell my servant David, ‘Thus says the LORD:

Should you build me a house to dwell in?

“‘It was I who took you from the pasture

and from the care of the flock

to be commander of my people Israel. 

I have been with you wherever you went,

and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. 

And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. 

I will fix a place for my people Israel;

I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place

without further disturbance.

Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old,

since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel.

I will give you rest from all your enemies. 

The LORD also reveals to you

that he will establish a house for you. 

And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors,

I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins,

and I will make his Kingdom firm.

I will be a father to him,

and he shall be a son to me.

Your house and your Kingdom shall endure forever before me;

your throne shall stand firm forever.’”

Responsorial Psalm

PS 89:2-3, 4-5, 27 AND 29

R. (2)  For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

The favors of the LORD I will sing forever;

through all generations my mouth shall proclaim your faithfulness.

For you have said, “My kindness is established forever”;

in heaven you have confirmed your faithfulness.

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“I have made a covenant with my chosen one,

I have sworn to David my servant:

Forever will I confirm your posterity

and establish your throne for all generations.”

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

“He shall say of me, ‘You are my father,

my God, the rock, my savior.’

Forever I will maintain my kindness toward him,

and my covenant with him stands firm.”

R. For ever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.

 

Alleluia  

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

O Radiant Dawn,

splendor of eternal light, sun of justice:

come and shine on those who dwell in darkness and in the shadow of death.

R. Alleluia, alleluia.

Gospel

LK 1:67-79

Zechariah his father, filled with the Holy Spirit, prophesied, saying:

“Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel;

for he has come to his people and set them free.

He has raised up for us a mighty Savior,

born of the house of his servant David.

Through his prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies,

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant.

This was the oath he swore to our father Abraham:

to set us free from the hand of our enemies,

free to worship him without fear,

holy and righteous in his sight

all the days of our life.

You, my child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High,

for you will go before the Lord to prepare his way,

to give his people knowledge of salvation

by the forgiveness of their sins.

In the tender compassion of our God

the dawn from on high shall break upon us,

to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death,

and to guide our feet into the way of peace.”

The Kind of Music we need during Christmas and the Rest of the Year in the Catholic Church

I was reading through Catholic news and came across a new album release by The London Oratory Schola, a Catholic boys choir which originated in Rome, but this particular branch is in the UK. The singers range in age from 8 to 18 and are comprised of 20 to 30 members.

The music is breathtaking. Absolutely transcendent.

I don't know why but Catholic churches in many areas seem to have adopted a belief that whether it's music or liturgy or art or whatever other area of worship, it must be simplified to appeal to the broadest audience. When it comes to music, there seems to be a belief that if the worst singer cannot sing the music, then it must be rejected. I'm not sure what you would even call this belief system, but it has obviously taken hold.

There are a couple of developments which have occurred. One is the simplification of music in liturgies. Rather than polyphony or plainchant, we are given folk music with very simple rhythms. The other trend is to replace tried and true music from many generations ago with music from the 70s. As one commentator put it, some people like to say it is more "modern", when in fact, at this point it is 40 or 50 years old. How is that modern?

Plus, it's not a debate about whether people want modern or old-fashioned music. It's a debate between contemporary, fad music vs. timeless music.

How is it that a century or more ago, parishioners could enjoy complex music written by Palestrina, Mozart, and others, while now we are treated to "Eagle's Wings"? It's like going from a doctorate down to kindergarten.

Something else I have noticed is a kind of democratization of the music in church. Often there are some very good singers, but sometimes random people are chosen to sing. They may be able to sing a hymn in the pew, but they have issues doing a good job during Mass as the lead cantor. One of my pet peeves is cantors who do not have precise timing. It's like to them being a second off is not a big deal. It's very distracting.

There is also the concept, as mentioned already, that unless every person can "participate" in the singing of the song, then it's probably too complex and should not be played. This would make sense if it were a music lesson in primary school. But this is the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. A favorite saying in my catechism group came from a friend of mine and says "Lex Orandi, Lex Credendi", which translates to the law of prayer is the law of belief and means that the way we pray and worship informs our beliefs.

For example, if the music is folksy and sounds like a nursery rhyme, then we are less likely to take our faith seriously. It will seem childish and like just a little bit of fun. When any difficulty comes into our lives, we will not have a serious faith to rely on. In our minds, church is for the good times, a sort of community hall where we get together to sing carols. On the other hand, if the music is deep and complex, and has stood the test of time, it is more likely that our faith will have similar characteristics.

To continue with this analysis, I feel if the music is simple and approachable, that's how we'll see God. Whereas as Christians, we know our faith centers around mysteries which are truths whose depths can never be fully realized. The music ought to convey a sense of wonder and awe, rather than something frivolous and simple. We risk not realizing the depth and richness of the Catholic faith and see it rather as no different than going out with friends to karaoke.

There will be many objections to what I am saying. Some will say we simply don't have the budget to hire professional singers. To this I would say professional singers are not required, but often churches do hire professional singers anyway, but to sing "modern" music. Music is very important and should not be left to amateurs with little musical training. On top of that, I would say there are definitely good simple music as well. Traditional music is much better than 70s guitar music. Plus there is always the option of omitting music for weekday Masses anyway. Finally, I have heard really bad, yet complex music. It's bad because it's just far too modern and is anything but timeless. The same effort should have been put into producing great traditional music.

Other people will object by saying Mass is meant to be welcoming to everyone and is, in fact, for the "masses". I couldn't agree more. But people in general have the wrong idea about participation or assistance at Mass. In fact, I just came across a Catholic Answers forum post where someone was wonder the meaning of the term "assist" when it comes to Mass. People have the idea that to assist at Mass means you are "doing something", such as carrying the gifts, singing, taking up collection, reading, etc. This has nothing to with assisting at Mass. We participate or "assist" at Mass in four ways: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication.

However, because of the misinterpretation of "assisting" or "participating" at Mass, people have come to believe that we need as many laypeople being busy during the Holy Sacrifice as possible, which includes their participation in music. This is a false belief and has real negative implications. As I wrote yesterday, believing as many people as possible need to be "doing something" has led to strange things happening, such as Extraordinary Ministers of Communion being used when completely unnecessary.

Part of the problem, I think, comes from a form of pride and a lack of understanding of the Catholic understanding of beauty. Pride comes into play when people are not willing to take their proper place, but feel entitled to take a higher or more important role. It is also a refusal to believe that a person is more talented in a particular area than oneself. St. Paul says we are all part of the Body of Christ as Christians, but that each part has a different role. Humility does not entail denying our gifts, but thanking God for them. People who are excellent singers, musicians, painters, sculptors, etc. should not shy away and hide their talents. Also, those around them should not allow that to happen either.

In the past there was always the ideal of creating things of beauty when it came to music, art, and other areas within the Church. It was not about promoting equality or some misinterpretation of "participation", but it was about beauty. In the Catholic understanding, some things are beautiful and worthy of admiration and other things are not beautiful or even ugly and worthy to be avoided. We do not believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder as such, although there can be variance in taste.

You don't need a magnificent cathedral in order to do things the right way. Many tiny churches are reverent and holy and are much more suited to Catholic worship than other much larger places.

Anyway, having said all of that, please check out Sacred treasures of Christmas by Schola cantorum here.

Ouch: this meme about leaving Mass early just escalated quickly!