From the Editor | What's in a word or phrase? Mass translation has it all

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Teak Phillips

There's an old joke that the only thing that separates lawyers from liturgists is that one can argue with a lawyer.

I hadn't really understood the punchline until I started following the new translation of the Roman Missal, which will be implemented beginning Nov. 27.

Language is peculiar, and people are picky about it. Writers sometimes stew for hours trying to find the right word or phrase, only to be told later that their choices of words left a reader confused.

Our readers have expressed concern and confusion about the translation changes -- why the Church is implementing them, why they're important and why the language matters.

Even without the new translation, we notice how language can affect our understanding of theology. In a recent Dear Father column, Father John Mayo explained the difference between "filled" and "full," as used in the Acclamation "Heaven and Earth are full of your glory" versus "heaven and earth are filled with your glory.

Father Mayo explained that the difference between those words is subtle yet distinct.

"Full," he wrote, "means having as much as possible, with no empty space; filled means that it is completely or almost completely full. There is an uncertainty introduced when filled is used, as to whether it is completely full or not."

So, heaven and earth are full of God's glory -- it's completely full, to the brim, no room for doubt. It makes sense, then, why we sing -- and will continue to sing -- that heaven and earth are full of His glory.

Why is the language of the Mass so important? It helps us understand theology through specific definitions and concepts. The new translation was not made on a whim or just because some English teachers wanted to be picky about language.

We should remember that the Mass is not changing. This is a translation from the liturgy's parent language, Latin, to English. The liturgy of the Mass has already been translated into many languages -- and an accurate translation is critical to the people fully understanding the prayers of the Mass.

The new translation will not always be easy. Our own five-part series on the translation and pew cards can only go so far. We have to make the effort to study and understand the liturgy to strengthen our full participation.

Unfortunately American Catholics often forget that the Church is not an American institution and that English is not the language of the Church. This translation is not about us. It's about God.

Translations are always tricky. Subject/verb agreement and verb conjugation are not always precise. Translations, being made by humans, are imperfect and subject to change when we discover flaws.

We can debate all we want about whether the new translation uses archaic language, whether it properly reflects modern usage and understanding. But it's important to remember that the liturgy of the Mass is universal.

Yes, when we say "And with your spirit" in November, I will find it awkward. I don't speak like that. I doubt I have every asked another "How is your spirit today?"

I don't go to Mass to socialize, I go to worship and give glory to God. The liturgy is not small talk and is not intended to fit the whims of popular culture. It is written to emphasis our reverence for God, to humble ourselves before Him, recognize our own unworthiness and ask for His grace and mercy. That's a heavy concept, and our prayers should reflect that.

We may not fully understand the new translation, and we may not feel comfortable with some of the words and phrases. But we are called to embrace the translation as something the Church has given us to help better understand our prayerful relationship with God. From that perspective, I look forward to how the language will aid my spiritual growth.

Phillips is the director of publications for the Archdiocese of St. Louis. He can be emailed at editor@stlouisreview.com and you can follow him on Twitter @TeakPhillips .