At the end of Summer

So summer has been lazy, reflective, and full of reading. I pulled away from the blog for a brief time so that I had an opportunity to simply relax and reflect.

Lots of things have happened in regards to liturgy in the last few weeks. Most notably, the Holy See's approval of third edition of the Roman Missal (note that it will no longer be referred to as the Sacramentary). Also worth noting is the Holy See's directive on the use of God's name within the liturgy.

Since getting my hands on a copy of the new translation I have been pouring over the new text along side the current text. Overall, I am very pleased. It is much more poetic, structured, and indeed a MUCH better translation more faithful to the Latin.

I have been sharing this with friends. The first response I usually get is, "WHY?!". Simply, the current translation does not work because it is watered down and empty of the symbolism of language and imagery that is so rich in the Latin version. From the perspective of some observers the current prayers of the English Sacramentary were a reflection of current American Society. I don't necessarily agree, but that statement is worth contemplating.

In light of Liturgiam Authenticam (2001), revision was inevitable. After years of revisions, changes, compromise, votes and headaches, the Holy See's Vox Clara Commission approved the ICEL's (International Commission on the English Language) translation.

So when do the changes begin to be in effect? Most observers seem to agree that we still have a couple of years to go. This gives time to prepare the congregations, publish the books and give liturgical musicians the opportunity to set to music the newly translated singable parts of the Mass like the Gloria and Sanctus.

Below are the Gloria and Sanctus from the new Roman Missal. Note the differences.

Gloria
Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to people of good will.

We praise you, we bless you, we adore you, we glorify you,
we give you thanks for your great glory,
Lord God, heavenly King,
O God, almighty Father.

Lord Jesus Christ. Only Begotten Son,
Lord God, Lamb of God, Son of the Father,
you take away the sins of the world,
have mercy on us;
you take away the sins of the world,
receive our prayer,
you are seated at the right hand of the Father,
have mercy on us.

For you alone are the Lord,
you alone are the Most High,
Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit,
in the glory of God
the Father. Amen

Sanctus
Holy, Holy, Holy
Lord God of hosts.
Heaven and earth are full of your glory.
Hosanna in the highest.
Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
Hosanna in the highest.

Other notable changes include change in the language of the Creed and of course, everyone's favorite, "and with your spirit", instead of "and also with you."