I have to think that the angels surrounding the tabernacle are rolling their celestial eyes every time they hear this nonsense.
Of course, to be fair, it's not like the first hymn is really a hymn to God, anyway. "Gathering hymns" tend to be full of Hallmark-card sentiments masquerading as theological truths. And they rarely seem to be prayers to God - mostly we sing to each other about how great we are. No wonder the cantor is confused. It makes sense to assume we're greeting the priest with the song of our awesomeness.
See "Gather Us In", "Gather the People," "All Are Welcome", etc., etc., ad nauseam.
487. Hymns that deny central teachings of the Faith.
Exhibit A: "Here at This Table" by Janet Sullivan Whitaker and Max Whitaker:
RefrainHow many theological problems can you find in 5 lines? I see two, with an option for three.
Come and be filled here at this table
Food for all who hunger
And drink for all who thirst.
Drink of his love, wine of salvation.
You shall live forever in Jesus Christ the Lord.
1.) The presumption of salvation ("You shall life forever.."). Really? Last I checked, presumption is a sin.
2.) The denial of the Eucharist. We don't drink "wine" at Mass. Ever. The average second grader preparing for his First Holy Communion is aware of this fact. The songwriter is either dangerously ignorant of the Faith or denying the Eucharistic Lord. There's no lyrical reason to use "wine" rather than "blood". Both are 1 syllable words. Either the writer is ignorant of the Faith - in which case, why is he/she writing Catholic music? - or he/she doesn't believe in transubstantiation - in which case, why is he/she writing Catholic music?
Problem 3.) is more arguable (the emphasis on "table" rather than "altar") since the Eucharist is both a meal and a sacrifice. But since millions of American Catholics are ignorant of the sacrifice aspect, can we please stop singing about tables?
End rant. St. Cecilia, pray for us.
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