Question about abridging the Psalm

  • Thread starter Thread starter Sabra
  • Start date Start date
Status
Not open for further replies.
S

Sabra

Guest
Today’s Psalm reading was #80, and the Mass I attended had abbreviated the text to the following: Once again, O Lord of Hosts,
Look down on us and see.
Protect what you have made,
The beauty of the earth. R.

Then with you we will remain
Who comes to give us life.
Your love, shine down on us,
And we will be set free. R.

Also, as you can see, the text is a loose variation on the text in the missal as well as on USCCB’s website.
Is this appropriate?
 
I would assume it was the music director or liturgy director.
 
Last edited:
There are times when it is ok to substitute a “psalm song” when the words are incredibly close. This has to be done with the approval of the pastor. I always use the word for word settings, but I have known many directors that substitute.
 
Sabra said:
Today’s Psalm reading was #80, and the Mass I attended had abbreviated the text to the following: Once again, O Lord of Hosts,
Look down on us and see.
Protect what you have made,
The beauty of the earth. R.

Then with you we will remain
Who comes to give us life.
Your love, shine down on us,
And we will be set free. R.

Also, as you can see, the text is a loose variation on the text in the missal as well as on USCCB’s website.
Is this appropriate?
Click to expand...
Appropriate or not, it is very unfortunate. The actual texts of those two verses are very beautiful, and that’s a significantly impoverished paraphrase. I sang both verses word for word at four masses over the weekend. It was definitely a mouthful, but worth it.

Edit to add: The more I think about this, the more annoyed I am. The “storyline” threaded through yesterday’s readings was particularly powerful, and the psalm was a major part of that. The removal of the lines “take care of this vine” and “then we will no longer withdraw from you” is particularly disturbing. 😠
 
Last edited:
A seasonal Psalm may also be used. I am with you. I never change the words, except occasionally by accident. The options are there. It is not like other parts of the Mass.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top