The New English Translation of

the Roman Missal

Catechesis on the Order of the MassPart VI: The Invitation to Communion

Invitation to Communion

Latin: Domine non sum dignus, ut intres sub tectum meum: sed tantum di verbo, et sanabitur anima mea.

1973: Lord, I am not worthy to receive you, but only say the word, and I shall be healed.

2010: Lord, I am not worthy Lord, I am not worthy that you should enter under that you should enter under my roof, but only say the my roof, but only say the word, and my soul shall be word, and my soul shall be healed.healed.

Analysis

The Liturgical formula - adaptation of the words a centurion addressed to Jesus…What matters here is not the story of the centurion, but his attitude toward Jesus. His humility and faith are exemplary and truly edifying and should be the attitude of those who receive Holy Communion.

CatechesisThe centurion’s attitude of humility and faith should become our own when we approach Holy Communion. He was aware of his unworthiness, although he served the people of Israel by building a synagogue for them. He knew that as a Pagan he was not holy enough to invite Jesus to his house.

CatechesisUpon hearing the centurion’s admission of unworthiness and his faith in God’s power to heal, Jesus exclaimed, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” The people regarded the centurion as a good person and there is no reason to believe that he was not. But Jesus considered him worthy of his love and attention because of his humility and faith.

CatechesisUpon hearing the centurion’s admission of unworthiness and his faith in God’s power to heal, Jesus exclaimed, “I tell you, not even in Israel have I found such faith.” The people regarded the centurion as a good person and there is no reason to believe that he was not. But Jesus considered him worthy of his love and attention because of his humility and faith.

What It Is

The Latin text adapts the words of the centurion at Capernaum to Jesus, and the new English version translates it literally. It expresses the sentiment of UNWORTHINESS.

To learn more about the NETRM

Get a copy of Dom Anscar Chupungco’s “The New English The New English Translation of the Translation of the Roman Missal: A Roman Missal: A Catechetical Catechetical PrimerPrimer” from your local St. Paul’s (PhP 100/copy)