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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: 15th Sunday in Ordinary Time (Year A)

Guest Author · July 13, 2014

ODAY’S GOSEPL PARABLE is one of the few parables that Jesus actually explained. But it seems He only explained it to his disciples or closer followers later on. And then He gives a rather mysterious reason why He is explaining it to them and not to the general public. Different commentators have different explanations and opinions about this. I prefer just to dwell on the topic of hearing the word of God.

If one attends Mass regularly, one certainly hears an abundance of the Word of God. Every Sunday there are three different Readings, one from the Old Testament which is in some way or other tied in with the reading from one of the Gospels. Then there is a selection from one of the Epistles or other New Testament Readings. A so-called Responsorial Psalm, also taken from the Bible always follows the First Old Testament Reading. Also the intervening chants are usually based on some text from the Scriptures. So you are certainly given much opportunity to hear the Word of God.

The Church has always given special preference to the Word of God. First of all because we believe that its writers were inspired by God to write what they did. And at least at Mass, the Church has refrained from introducing and using other writers. Other writers might be able to write better and be more appealing. But they can’t make the claim of being inspired by God. There are plenty of other opportunities when they can be read and enjoyed with profit, but not at Mass. Admittedly that is a side issue that just seemed to creep in.

BACK TO HEARING THE WORD OF GOD: We have plenty of opportunities to hear, but do we take advantage of them? Jesus gives us a rather detailed description of how the results generally turn out. Perhaps if we were in a retreat setting I could read the last section, and pause after each group and ask everyone to stop and ask themselves, “Do I belong in this group who hear, but don’t understand?” Or “Did I once receive the word with joy, but I took no root, and so it lasted only for a short time?” Or “Did I hear the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choked the word and it bore no fruit?” And lest I be accused of being completely negative, I’ll ask: “Did I hear the word and understand it and bear fruit a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold?” Maybe we can answer “sometimes, but not all the time.”

A practical suggestion: As I indicated at the beginning, there is no doubt that Catholics are hearing a lot more of the Bible now than they used to. In some respects we have to say that this is good. It is hard to say what kind of results it is producing. The Bible and what it contains should be a very practical book for us, i.e. it should lead to active practice in our lives. If we would concentrate on one piece of advice learned each week and practice it, our general behavior and manner of living would soon change. I suggest that you pick out something each week to ‘hear’ and let fall on good soil so that it can produce good results.

For a specific passage, I suggest that you look at this week’s selection from St. Paul’s letter to the Romans where he says: “The sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed in us.” First of all, make sure that you know the meaning. St. Paul is saying that any suffering or hardship that we have to endure here on this earth is going to seem as nothing when we finally reach the glory of heaven which Jesus has prepared for us who have tried to serve Him while we were on this earth.


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

“By no means would I offer the counsel that Mass be celebrated in languages other than Latin.”

— Archbishop Dwyer (one of the Vatican II fathers)

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