Dispatches for the Colonial Office: Go Forth and Be Surprised

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Lawrence Hall

“Go Forth and Be Surprised”

24^th Sunday in Ordinary Time

The dismissal from Mass as it was

As it should be

As it will be again

(Your scribbler mutters “Harrumph!” at this point

Like the cranky old man he is):

Celebrant: Dominus vobiscum

The people: Et cum spiritu tuo

Celebrant: Ite, missa est

The people: Deo gratias

A typical modern variant:

The Lord be with you

And with thy spirit

Go forth to love and serve the Lord

Thanks be to God

But today I heard it as:

The Lord be with you

And with thy spirit

Go forth and be surprised

“And be surprised”

I don’t think the priest actually said that; if he did then Miz Busy was on her Orwellian telescreen buzzing to the bishop immediately.

Dispatches for the Colonial Office