In defense of “I am God” hymns, Janet Noveske points to the use of Psalm 89 as the responsorial psalm for the Christmas Vigil and John 6:57 as the Communion antiphon for Corpus Christi (“Lyrical Liabilities?” Letters, April 25-May 1).

But you might notice that in the first instance the cantor sings from Psalm 89 to the congregation, which responds with, “Forever I will sing the goodness of the Lord.” If the Corpus Christi Communion antiphon is sung at all, it is by a schola or trained choir (which, contrary to what some say, was not abolished by Vatican II) to the congregation, and the schola adds, “Says the Lord.”

In both cases the congregation is sung to, and the participation expected of them is to listen with an open ear and attentive heart so they might grow in holiness.

That's why I hope the bishops' conference does take a closer look at the lyrics of hymns and judges them by the standards of orthodoxy instead of ideology.

DON SCHENK, Allentown, Pennsylvania