Gesture before the Gospel

[Marie]

Yes, I have always loved that. I think that is what got us going in the wrong direction to explain what he wanted though. He wondered about the priests words mostly if we are reading him correctly this time.

Either way, it’s all wonderful and uplifting to discuss.

cteslak,
Have we hit the nail on the head correctly yet for answering your question?
jmj,
Marie

 

[dantheman]

frleo:

Since my copy of the new GIRM has the adaptations of the US bishops worked into it, looking at the original Latin might give an insight to my memory.

Here’s the Latin, Fr Leo:

"pollice signans librum et seipsum in fronte, ore et pectore, quod faciunt et ceteri omnes"

My use of a latin-english dictionary seems to translate the bold highlighted to “which everyone else does as well.”

 

[frleo]

dantheman:

Here’s the Latin, Fr Leo:

"pollice signans librum et seipsum in fronte, ore et pectore, quod faciunt et ceteri omnes"

My use of a latin-english dictionary seems to translate the bold highlighted to “which everyone else does as well.”

Thanks!! Since my parish is so spread out I have two rectories and offices to keep track of, I can’t always find what I’d like when I’d like. Besides that, I’m often on here too late at night to think clearly. This answers my thoughts on the subject.

 

[Marie]

frleo:

Thanks!! Since my parish is so spread out I have two rectories and offices to keep track of, I can’t always find what I’d like when I’d like. Besides that, I’m often on here too late at night to think clearly. This answers my thoughts on the subject.

We are grateful to have your time. You must get exhausted. It is wonderful for us though when you do take time to help us out.
Now I wonder if we have answered cteslak’s thoughts?

We have been having a great discussion on it but I think he gave up on us before we reached some good answers.

 

[cteslak]

Fr. Leo best addressed my main concern with the quote from the GIRM, “which everyone else does as well.” I am, however, still unsure of the precise meaning of the verb in that sentence.

I have listened to Catholic Answers Live" often enough to know that the meanings of a word cannot be discerned from the word itself or sometimes even in the sentence in which the word is found. To get the intended meaning requires knowledge of context, writing style, time period, intended audience, etc.

Does the GIRM intend that we interpret this to mean, “everyone shall do”, “may do”, “historically has done and is likely to do”, or what?

Since I know the GIRM is a set of instructions, I must conclude that we are required to make the gesture. However, I am puzzled by the ambiguous nature of the choice of words in a manual written to clarify.

Don’t misunderstand me. I was born and raised making the gesture and will probably die making it. I have nothing against it, quite the contrary. I understand its rich history, significance and meaning. I merely inquire as an academic exercise: Inquiring minds want to know! I just noticed recently in my copy of the St Joseph Sunday Missal that there is nothing in there about the gesture and thought I’d ask the forum as a way of breaking into the Apologetics scene.

Thanks to you all for your responses, especially Marie who was concerned that I got the answer I needed.

Chris Teslak

 

[Debbie]

I always say to myself “May the Word of the Lord be forever on my mind+, quick to my lips+, and always in my heart+.”

Debbie