To the Sentinel:
That the name of God, YHWH, has not been vocalized within our Christian tradition and in Scripture, both in the Old and New Testaments, has been overlooked by many. The Vatican directive to not pronounce God’s name demonstrates this with total clarity. Respect for God’s holy name, as called for in the very prayer of Jesus, the Our Father (hallowed be thy name), must be reinstated in all aspects of our liturgies. Songs teach us as well as express our faith. And how many Catholics have the Sunday Mass as the prime place to learn about and express faith! For 2000 years we have not pronounced YHWH, and a 30 year fad, beginning in the 1970s, does not make tradition. The sense of mystery surrounding God’s holy name has begun to blur. We must respect the transcendence of our God, as well as respect our Church which teaches us our faith and brings us into contact with this God.
And it is a beautiful tradition. A recent letter felt that there are more important things the church should be concerned about at this time. God’s holy name is actually quite important. Let’s take the time to understand it, without pronouncing it.

Heidi Susec
Cottage Grove