People often think that simplifying or modernizing the wording in documents, prayers, newspaper articles and letters is a good idea. I beg to differ.
Take The Hail Mary for instance. There is this new, modern version floating around the churches in my area. I don't like it, so I ask, which version evokes more passion and draws you closer to Our Lord?
The Old Version
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee.
Blessed art thou amongst women,
and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
- or -
The Modern Version
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with you.
Blessed art you among women,
and blessed is the fruit of your womb, Jesus.
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners,
Now and at the hour of our death, Amen.
Some people might say the modern version, especially those who are already praying it in the churches near me, but I argue that the old version evokes more depth and texture and draws people more closely to Our Lord.
Not familiar with the words in the old version? Well, become familiar with them. Don't throw them out. Pray them, and pray that their essence be brought to you by the Holy Spirit - and by a good priest. Study them. Use them in your very own sentences.
Unfortunately, the trend is to go along rather than work to experience things more fully. I don't mean kill yourself, but really, learning challenging vocabulary never hurt anyone. In fact, learning challenging vocabulary is edifying.
Here is another example.
"The State Department has decided to make U.S. passport application forms 'gender neutral' by removing references to mother and father, officials said, in favor of language that describes one's parentage somewhat less tenderly.
The change is 'in recognition of different types of families' [i.e. homosexual parenting ] ...
The new policy is a win for gay rights groups ... The decision follows last month's vote to end the military's "don't ask, don't tell" policy, which gay leaders consider one of their biggest victories in years.
Instead of reminding people that we come into this world by way of a mother and a father, and letting people feel uncomfortable who are in alternate, and immoral, situations, the government is going along to get along. They are removing reference to biology so people can continue to live out their lies about their lifestyles.
I hope you are finding peace in this upheaval.
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