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Corpus Christi Watershed

Pope Saint Paul VI (3 April 1969): “Although the text of the Roman Gradual—at least that which concerns the singing—has not been changed, the Entrance antiphons and Communions antiphons have been revised for Masses without singing.”

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Views from the Choir Loft

Homily: 3rd Sunday of Easter (Year A)

Guest Author · May 3, 2014

0319_emmaus ANY A RETREAT has been given around the theme of the ‘Emmaus Walk’, especially about the idea of how the two disciples were walking with Jesus and did not realize it. They finally recognized Him when they were at a meal with Him and Jesus said the blessing and broke the bread and began to distribute it to them. I know there will probably be differences of opinion among Scripture scholars as to whether Jesus was actually repeating or saying what we know as a Mass. Certainly it is a fact that the early Church often referred to the Mass as the “Breaking of the Bread.” This is the term that St. Luke uses in his writings. In view of the importance that the Mass was to have in the religion or Church that Jesus founded, it certainly would seem that it was most fitting that Jesus would have done this.

But of course Jesus did not leave us with any systematic theology books or texts. In fact He didn’t leave us with any of the New Testament being written. By his time the Old Testament had all been written, but none of the New Testament. At this point in time the Church was a very tiny development consisting of eleven apostles, Mary, His Mother, some of the faithful women and a few others. This was before Pentecost. And admittedly those must have been very bleak days even though the apostles had the assurance that Jesus had come back to life. We can only imagine what role Mary, His mother must have had during those days. We don’t really know.

The First Reading: In the first reading though we do have St. Peter’s first speech or public address on the first Pentecost. One wonders how the man, who in the presence of a young maiden denied that he even knew Jesus, now got up in public and proclaimed that Jesus of Nazareth was a man whom God sent to you with miracles, wonders and signs. You used pagans to crucify and kill Him, but God raised Him up again. Then Peter quotes from one of the Psalms which foreshadows Christ’s resurrection. Of course the Jews would have been very familiar with this Psalm. It must have really surprised them to realize that this psalm that they had been saying all these years referred to Jesus.

First Letter of Peter: It might be noted that St. Peter wrote this letter from Rome around the year 63 AD and that it was written to Christian Communities in Asia Minor. St. Peter is mainly trying to encourage them, reminding them of their dignity, especially because they were not redeemed by perishable silver or gold, but by Christ’s own Blood that is beyond all price. In many respects we can consider this first letter of St. Peter like a first Papal encyclical. It certainly is evidence already of the primacy and importance that Peter must have had in the early Church.

Today’s Communion verse is appropriately taken from the Gospel. In some respects this is the ideal situation. It as it were applies the fruits of the redemption wrought in the Gospel applied to the graces received in Communion. Our faith also tells us that the Lord is present in the shared Bread which is the Eucharist. Yes we consume the Eucharist and at the same time we adore the Eucharist. These actions are not mutually exclusive. Like the disciples we must also recognize the Lord Jesus in the breaking of bread.


We hope you enjoyed this homily by Fr. Valentine Young, OFM.

Opinions by blog authors do not necessarily represent the views of Corpus Christi Watershed.

Filed Under: Articles Last Updated: January 1, 2020

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President’s Corner

    New Bulletin Article • “14 September 2025”
    My pastor requested that I write short articles each week for our parish bulletin. Those responsible for preparing similar write-ups may find a bit of inspiration in these brief columns. The latest article (dated 14 September 2025) discusses OFFERTORY ANTIPHONS and contains a wonderful quote by Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen.
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    PDF Download • Draft Copy (Pamphlet)
    A few days ago, I posted a draft copy of this 12-page pamphlet with citations about the laity’s “full, conscious, and active participation.” Its basic point or message is that choir directors should never feel embarrassed to teach real choral music because Vatican II explicitly ordered them to do that! We’ve received tons of mail regarding that pamphlet, with many excellent suggestions for improvement. Please feel free to chime in!
    —Jeff Ostrowski
    “Entrance Chant” • 23rd (Ordinary Time)
    This coming Sunday, 7 September 2025, is the 23rd Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year C). You can download the “Entrance Chant,” conveniently located at the feasts website. I also recorded a rehearsal video for it (freely available at the same website). The Communion Chant includes gorgeous verses in FAUXBOURDON. I attempted to create a rehearsal video for it, and it’s been posted at the feasts website, called by some: “church music’s best kept secret.”
    —Jeff Ostrowski

Quick Thoughts

    Karl Keating • “Canonization Questions”
    We were sent an internet statement (screenshot) that’s garnered significant attention, in which KARL KEATING (founder of Catholic Answers) speaks about whether canonizations are infallible. Mr. Keating seems unaware that canonizations are—in the final analysis—a theological opinion. They are not infallible, as explained in this 2014 article by a priest (with a doctorate in theology) who worked for multiple popes. Mr. Keating says: “I’m unaware of such claims arising from any quarter until several recent popes disliked by these Traditionalists were canonized, including John XXIII, Paul VI, and John Paul II. Usually Paul VI receives the most opprobrium.” Mr. Keating is incorrect; e.g. Father John Vianney, several centuries ago, taught clearly that canonizations are not infallible. Archbishop Fulton J. Sheen would be another example, although clearly much more recent than Saint John Vianney.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Vatican II Changed Wedding Propers?
    It’s often claimed that the wedding propers were changed after Vatican II. As a matter of fact, that is a false claim. The EDITIO VATICANA propers (Introit: Deus Israel) remained the same after Vatican II. However, a new set of propers (Introit: Ecce Deus) was provided for optional use. The same holds true for the feast of Pope Saint Gregory the Great on 3 September: the 1943 propers (Introit: Si díligis me) were provided for optional use, but the traditional PROPRIA MISSAE (Introit: Sacerdótes Dei) were retained; they weren’t gotten rid of. The Ordo Cantus Missae (1970) makes this crystal clear, as does the Missal itself. There was an effort made in the post-conciliar years to eliminate so-called “Neo-Gregorian” chants, but (contrary to popular belief) most were retained: cf. the feast of Christ the King, the feast of the Immaculate Conception, and so forth.
    —Corpus Christi Watershed
    Solemn “Salve Regina” (Chant)
    How many “S” words can you think of using alliteration? How about Schwann Solemn Salve Score? You can download the SOLEMN SALVE REGINA in Gregorian Chant. The notation follows the official rhythm (EDITIO VATICANA). Canon Jules Van Nuffel, choirmaster of the Cathedral of Saint Rumbold, composed this accompaniment for it (although some feel it isn’t his best work).
    —Corpus Christi Watershed

Random Quote

If they protest and want, for example, to retain at least the familiar chants of the ordinary Mass in Latin, they are told that their protest is worthless. They are not “trained.” There is no reason to take account of what they say!

— Father Louis Bouyer (1968)

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