Missal 4: What we say at Mass
We are now going to start looking at some of the changes in the new English translation of the Mass with the move away from Dynamic Equivalence towards Formal Equivalence (direct translation) and also to explain the reasons for these changes. We’ll first look at those changes that were implemented in 2008 and next week we’ll look at some of the changes that will be implemented from November 27.
1. The greeting “And with your Spirit” (direct translation of Et cum spiritu tuo) replaces “And also with you” (Dynamic Equivalent). The reason for this change is that it now refers to the mystical aspect of the celebrant’s presence. The celebrant is ordained a priest spiritually, and his priesthood is present through his spirit. In addition, this greeting is derived directly from the greeting used in the New Testament (Galatians 6:13, Phillipians 4:23, Philemon 25 and 2 Timothy 4:22).
2. In the I Confess, “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault” (direct translation of mea culpa, mea culpa, mea maxima culpa) replaces “through my own fault” (Dynamic Equivalent), strongly emphasising the depth, the seriousness, the selfishness and the all-pervasiveness of our sin, and why it cries out for reconciliation. It is a deeply humble confession.
3. The opening words of the Creed are now “I believe”, previously “We believe”. This makes the Creed a personal statement of commitment to personal belief. In addition, the words “I believe” are repeated at each of the statements of our belief in each of the three Persons of the Trinity and in the “One, Holy, Catholic and Apostolic Church”. This makes it clear that we are confessing our belief at each stage of this powerful prayer of commitment.
4. Also in the Nicene Creed, “Consubstantial” (direct translation of consubstantialem) replaces “of one being” (Dynamic Equivalent). The previous wording tried to explain the concept of the incarnation in a brief statement, but it is simply not possible to encapsulate this amazing truth in a two or three word phrase. The summary word “consubstantial” developed at the Councils of Nicaea and Constantinople and used in Latin since then, has been reintroduced in the English. Through this, instead of trying to clarify the concept in the text, the door has been opened for active catechesis in homilies and other opportunities.
5. Before the Preface, the response “It is right and just” (direct translation of Dignum et justum est) replaces “It is right to give him thanks and praise” (Dynamic Equivalent). This emphasises a different aspect — not simply that we should do so, but the morality and justice of our actions when we thank God
6. “Lord I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed” (direct translation of Domine, non sum dignus ut intres sub tectum meam, sed tantum dic verbo et sanabitur anima mea) in place of “Lord I am not worthy to receive you, only say the word and I shall be healed”.
Three important aspects are highlighted here. Firstly, when we speak of someone entering under one’s roof, we speak of that person being welcomed into our home and our life, just as we would welcome a family member or a close friend into our home. This is far more intimate than simply “receiving”, which is what we do in a meal. So, we are now saying that we are not worthy to welcome the Lord into our homes and lives.
Secondly, our deepest illnesses are of a spiritual nature and the healing aspect of Jesus coming onto our lives is primarily spiritual, not physical, as could be inferred from the previous wording.
And finally, the wording is scripturally accurate in its derivation from the centurion’s plea to Jesus to heal his servant.
Something that has not changed is the Our Father, which remains in the traditional language and continues to use the old-fashioned form “thy”. The reason for this is the acceptance by almost all English-speaking Christians of this wording, and in particular the intimacy that the word “thy” provides.
- The Mass of the Rubber Bullet - January 27, 2022
- Radio Veritas’ Colin Yorke dead at 80 - January 14, 2022
- New bishop for South Africa - December 17, 2021
