Why Should I Care?: The New Roman Missal

I hope by now you’ve heard that some of the words we say at Mass are going to be changing. The english-speaking world is getting a new translation of the Roman Missal – the book of prayers at Mass.

For the past couple weeks at my parish in place of the homily we’ve been listening to a teaching on the new words. Honestly, as I sit there on the hard pew with my eyelids getting heavier by the minute, I can’t help but ask myself, “Why should I care?”

The answer is simple: words matter.

I absolutely love words of affirmation. When someone compliments me, I remember it for a long time. I can’t always remember when they said it to me, or where we were that day, but I sure remember what they said.

You can leave a strong impression on someone with your words. Can you clearly remember when someone said something meaningful to you? How about the best compliment you’ve received?

I want to be sure I’m using my words as best as I can at all times, but especially when I’m praying to God. If He’s the most important person in my life, than my words matter the most with Him. The Church realizes this too.

The Church saw some places in the Mass where we could be using more accurate words than what we say now. These new words are deeper and more meaningful when we pray the Mass.

What’s cool is that when the words change on November 27th, we’re going to get this jolt in Mass and suddenly be forced to listen more closely. Right now the prayers are so automatic that sometimes I don’t even think about what I’m saying or hear what the priest is saying.

But as I learn the new prayers, I can’t wait for God to bring me to a new level of prayer.

Are you having a hard time caring about the changes too? Just be real with God. Tell Him (with your words!) and ask Him to help you appreciate the Church and her desire for our prayer to be deeper and more meaningful.

Because the Church cares about your soul.

I’m praying for you.