New Translation

If you would like to see a two page print out of the people's parts of the new translation of the Roman Missal, it is available here.

http://christtheking.diocesessm.org/Microsoft%20Word%20-%20Peoples%20Part%20web.pdf

Not all the changes are available on this particular card but it gives you a good idea. For example, I personally will not be using that Penitential Act found on the above card, as there are two options. The pew cards that we will be receiving at St. Michael Parish will have both options. The Gloria will be sung, so it will be just like learning a new song. The big changes are the Apostles Creed and the Ecce Agnus Dei.


In the Apostles Creed we are asked now to say the word Hell. This is going to require parents to explain to their children why we get to swear in church. It may also require us to understand the difference between dead and hell. Jesus did not merely die for us; he descended into hell. The difference is that he went through hell for us! He experienced a distance from His Father that I pray none of us have to. And, even when he was in the depths of hate, he preached the love of God to those most distant and invited them to choose life.


Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed. Two new words, roof and soul. The basic reason for the new translation here is to be more faithful to scripture. Matthew 8:5-13 tells the story of a Roman, who, according to Jesus, had more faith than many of God's chosen. He wanted healing for his servant but recognized that he was not worthy to have Jesus come to his house. The difference between receive and enter under my roof is not minor. Reception is an individual experience, where entering under a roof is into a house, a home. It is an invitation for Christ to enter into our families. Salvation is not individual but is found in families, both domestic and church. It is in our homes that He heals us but not only physically; rather, Christ wants to heal our souls. Again, this echoes the sentiments of et cum spiritu tuo, and with your spirit. When our soul is healed, so too are we.