Me and my fellow parishioners stumbled through our first Mass this morning with the new translation of the liturgy. Even though I was familiar with the new language, which is much more faithful to the original Latin, I still found it enchanting. I was particularly struck when admitting that I had sinned, “through my fault, through my fault, through my most grievous fault.” The words hammered home not only my personal culpability for sinning, for this language leaves no room to pass the blame, and it helped me to express a much deeper disgust for sin–“my most grievous fault.”
Another phrase that hit me was “I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof”. This used to be “I am not worthy to receive you,” but the new language seems much more personal and familial–we’re actually welcoming the Lord to enter our home, the place that we reside both physically and spiritually. “Receiving you” sounds much more passive and distant in comparison.
Even though we’re test-driving the new translation during weekday Mass, this Sunday will mark the “official” unveiling of the revised translation. If you haven’t already I suggest glancing over the list of changes at the USCCB’s website. You might also want to check out Dr. Edward Sri’s excellent guide which is at the same time cheap ($1.99) and valuable.
In addition, here are two great videos on the new translation,. The first features Mark Hart, Vice-President of Life Teen, and the second is from Thin Veil-favorite Fr. Robert Barron.