Should I complain to the bishop about a priest's changing the words of the Mass reading?

Full Question

At Mass last Sunday the lector ignored the beginning of the Scripture passage in Ephesians 5:24-33: "Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be subject to their own husbands in everything" and began with the section on the duties of husbands. When I questioned the lector, she said she eliminated it because it was offensive to women. I later found out that the priest gave her permission, and apparently this is not the first time he has given such instruction. Should I contact the bishop?

Answer

If you want to contact a bishop about this, always make mention of the bishop’s authority and your obedience to him as Christ’s representative. Give him full particulars: details of the censorship, date, time of service, the name of the parish, and the name of the celebrant if you know it. And pray: Pray for the bishop, for the priest involved, for the lector, for all those who seek to censor the word of God.

Pray also that they come to understand the deep spiritual significance of submission. Only through that submission can anyone find the true joy and wholeness and peace of Jesus Christ.
Peggy Frye

“I love the ‘Open Forum for Non-Catholics’ shows.  I have learned so much from these programs, and they’ve helped me to not be caught off-guard when I'm called to answer friends, family members, and co-workers who question the teachings and doctrines of the Church.”

~ Tom
 

Q&A Newsletter

Recommended

Video

Defending Your Faith: How to Counter Standard Objections to Catholicism
What is the "GIRM" and Why is it Important?

Radio Shows

Q&A Open Forum
Q&A Open Forum

Quick Questions

Can a bishop prohibit receiving Communion on the tongue?

Magazine Articles

"Are You Saved?" If Only!
Don't Let Problems in the Church Steal Your Peace

Blog

If I Had A Bishop's Ear . . .
A Bishop Acting Like a Bishop?
Not Peace But a Sword
Books and Audio in Digital Format
Ignatius Press

Converts And Kingdoms: How The Church Converted The Pagan West - And How We Can Do It Again
Within these pages you will find not only the story of the Church’s early missionary efforts but also an analysis of why they succeeded: providing you valuable lessons for re-evangelizing a modern West that has slipped into a new and insidious form of paganism. Read Converts and Kingdoms today to be inspired by the convert-makers of the past, and to learn from them how to win the world anew for Christ.

"If you should be in foreign cities, do not simply ask where is the church, but where is the Catholic Church, for this is the proper name of this holy Mother of all."

~ Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem, Doctor of the Church, Saint; on the true identity of the Church (circa A.D. 347).