Responsorial Psalm

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Responsorial Psalm; need updating?
Topic Started: Saturday, 21. November 2009, 23:20 (68 Views)
John Sweeney	Saturday, 21. November 2009, 23:20 Post #1
Posts: 1,850 Group: Members Member #68 Joined: March 20, 2007	I realise that we are talking about the Psalms here and to speak of modernisation is a bit of a non-starter! However, listening and responding tonight I wonder if we are making the best use of this part of the Mass. The readings themselves often make me think and I can see the point of us responding but I wonder whether the response could be made more meaningful by revising the language. For instance , tonight's response--by no means the worst-- said "The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed". The last phrase seems to me pretty meaningless and could have been omitted to make the whole response shorter, to the point and immediately understandable in both wording and intent. John



Rose of York	Saturday, 21. November 2009, 23:42 Post #2
Administrator Posts: 14,558 Group: Admin Member #2 Joined: September 25, 2006	John Sweeney Saturday, 21. November 2009, 23:20 For instance , tonight's response--by no means the worst-- said "The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed". The last phrase seems to me pretty meaningless and could have been omitted to make the whole response shorter, to the point and immediately understandable in both wording and intent. The complete Psalm is Quote: Responsorial Psalm Ps 92 [Response]The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed. 1.The Lord is king, with majesty enrobed; the Lord has robed himself with might, he has girded himself with power. [Response] 2. The world you made firm, not to be moved; your throne has stood firm from of old. From all eternity, 0 Lord, you are. [Response] 3. Truly your decrees are to be trusted. Holiness is fitting to your house, O Lord, until the end of time. [Response] The response is the whole of the first line. The whole of the first verse is about Christ "dressing" himself - robing with might, girding with power. In the Gospels we see Christ the Nazarene carpenter. When he comes again, he will come as King. Kings dress to suit the occasion. I think the words "with majesty enrobed" are very significant, but in a forum situation I have had time to consider them. At Mass, we don't have as much time. In a modern translation, robed with majesty might be better.
	$Posted Image$ Catholic and proud of it! Talk to God before Mass. Talk to each other afterwards


Joe Valente	Sunday, 22. November 2009, 09:57 Post #3
Posts: 403 Group: Members Member #227 Joined: April 3, 2009	I can understand the suggestion that the wording of the psalms, in some instances, could be up dated to more modern language. Though understanding this sentiment I, personally, would be opposed to it. I love the psalms and believe that they are beautiful just as they are. Again personally, I feel that "with majesty enrobed" gives more meaning than "enrobed with majesty". To me it helps me ponder the timelessness of God.
	What doth it profit a man if he gains the whole world but suffers the loss of his soul


Derekap	Sunday, 22. November 2009, 16:47 Post #4
Posts: 3,415 Group: Members Member #14 Joined: September 26, 2006	I prefer: "enrobed with majesty".
	Derekap


SeanJ	Sunday, 22. November 2009, 17:06 Post #5
Moderator Posts: 877 Group: Moderator Member #208 Joined: September 26, 2008	I suppose when poetry is translated from one language to anothe, some people will not be happy. SeanJ



Derekap	Sunday, 22. November 2009, 17:40 Post #6
Posts: 3,415 Group: Members Member #14 Joined: September 26, 2006	I think one can translate the meaning of poem into another language, but to translate it satisfactorily into poetic form is nigh impossible; it would have to be a very loose translation. Edited by Derekap, Sunday, 22. November 2009, 17:40.
	Derekap


Rose of York	Sunday, 22. November 2009, 18:13 Post #7
Administrator Posts: 14,558 Group: Admin Member #2 Joined: September 25, 2006	Our local church took to having the psalms sung, by a cantor. Three people were on the rota. A local community is unlikely to have three people who can do it properly, with all the words understood by the congregation. I prefer it to be read, the singing distracts me from the meaning of the words. When I see EWTN Masses I keep my missal handy, because I hear singing, but do not know what words are being sung. Good cantors are few and far between.
	$Posted Image$ Catholic and proud of it! Talk to God before Mass. Talk to each other afterwards


Fortunatus	Sunday, 22. November 2009, 18:23 Post #8
Posts: 721 Group: Members Member #98 Joined: September 3, 2007	The setting of the psalms used for Mass (and also for Morning and Evening Prayer) is primarily intended for a cantor. If you look at MEP you'll see the stresses marked. By all means change the wording if you want but don't then necessarily expect to have something that lends itself to chant. You pays your money ...



KatyA	Sunday, 22. November 2009, 18:27 Post #9
Administrator Posts: 5,413 Group: Admin Member #6 Joined: September 26, 2006	Nice to see you again Fortunatus, and I agree, the psalms are intended to be sung. Problems can arise though,when there is a cantor, who can't cant. KatyA



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