New Mass translation gets us to pay attention

    It’s been nearly two months since the new translation of the Mass has gone into effect and it seems that, for the most part, people in my parish are getting the hang of the changes. Certainly there are some instances of stammering and recitation of the older translation, but for the most part, parishioners are catching on.
    As I was learning about the changes, I thought I would feel detached from some of the responses, such as “and with your spirit” and saying words like “consubstantial.” Yet, I was surprised by the fact that I didn’t feel detached; in fact, I felt more involved. I realize now that previously, I had been simply reciting memorized lines. I could go to Mass and respond automatically, knowing each prayer by heart without any surprises.
    Now, I find myself paying more attention to what I’m saying, and I’m following along in the missal, noticing more of the prayers of the priest and praying along silently. What’s most significant, though, is that I realize just how easily my mind could wander previously, when my responses were memorized. Now, if my imagination takes off, I catch myself lapsing into the old translation. How many times prior to the new translation had I allowed myself to think of other things rather than pay attention to the Mass?
Poetic language
    While some of the changes have taken some getting used to – and I know that for a long time, I’ll continue following along in my missal – there are some changes that I prefer. For instance, the response, “Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under my roof, but only say the word and my soul shall be healed,” is quite poetic, even though it may take me a few more tries to have it roll off of my tongue.
    In a recent interview with CBS for his movie, “Contraband,” Mark Wahlberg casually dropped his Catholic knowledge and experience as he acknowledged that he used his pocket dictionary to look up the meaning of “consubstantial.” Using the new translation as a learning tool, he acknowledged on national news that he is never without his dictionary and his prayer book. A modern-day St. Augustine, Wahlberg shows that it is possible to be a devout Catholic and a positive role model as an actor in today’s society. In an interview with the Catholic Herald in 2010, he stated that being Catholic is what is most important to him in his life; in fact, he says, “The first thing I do when I start my day is, I get down on my hands and knees and give thanks to God. Whenever I go outside of my house, the first thing I do is stop at the church. … If I can start my day out by saying my prayers and getting myself focused, then I know I’m doing the right thing.”
    For some, the liturgical changes will continue to pose problems, but this is a learning experience for many people of our faith. In the Clarion Herald, seminarians are providing insight into the Mass, enabling us to learn more of its importance. This spirit can also be carried through in our own homes: many of the changes are changes that come directly from Scripture; perhaps we could take the time to reread some of those passages so that we have a deeper understanding of our responses during Mass.                 For instance, the above pre-Communion response comes from Matthew 8:8, in which the centurion asks for Jesus to heal his servant. However, the centurion doesn’t believe himself worthy for Jesus to enter into his house and so asks Jesus to “say the word” and his servant would be healed.
    How can this apply to our response? Perhaps it can be read as our acknowledgment of our own unworthiness due to our many sins and faults, yet Jesus is still able to heal our souls with his forgiveness, mercy and salvation.
    As the new year progresses and we continue getting used to the new translation, we should take this opportunity to learn more about our faith and share it with others. It always amazes me when I find out how devout some of the most famous and popular people in our world can be. It is a reminder that there are glimpses of hope in a mostly secularized world. It’s always nice to find positive role models who can inspire us to continue learning and standing up in our faith.
    Heather Bozant can be reached at [email protected].