There are many ways of answering, but I think the most helpful is to point to the links between the Mass and the Bible, many of which are obscured by the version we currently use. Let me give an example.

The Book of Revelation was written to console those who were suffering for their faith, and to assure them that God would reward their perseveranceImmediately before Holy Communion, the Priest currently says ‘This is the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world. Happy are those who are called to his supper’, whereas from September on he will end ‘Blessed are those called to the supper of the Lamb.’ Why this change? In the original Latin, the Priests words are a reminder of a story that is told at the very end of the Bible, in the nineteenth chapter of the Book of Revelation, when preparations are being made for the wedding of the Lamb, who represents Christ, to his Bride, who is the Church. I suppose it is rather like the Royal Wedding: everybody wants an invitation, but not everybody gets one. The Book of Revelation was written to console those who were suffering for their faith, and to assure them that God would reward their perseverance. This consolation is not offered to their persecutors.

Before the wedding, an angel says ‘Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb . . .’ these are true words of God. It is an awe-inspiring moment, and the Priests repetition of the angels words invites each one of us to consider, as we prepare for Holy Communion, whether we will be invited to the Heavenly Banquet. None of us can presume that we will, and so our response is ‘Lord, I am not worthy . . .’

The echoes of the Bible in the Mass are a treasury for us to exploreThe image of the Lamb of God occurs over and over again, both in the Bible and in the Mass. Beside the River Jordan, John the Baptist pointed to our Lord who was beginning his public ministry with the words ‘Behold the Lamb of God’, words that the Priest also will say in the new translation. The current version, ‘This is the Lamb of God’, directs attention only to the Host that the Priest holds. The new translation will invite us to a wider view, bringing into our minds Jesus at the Jordan, on the Cross, and in Heaven, as well as in the Host.

It has taken me many words to explain these few words, and there is still more that I could say. This is not because the words are difficult, but because they are rich in meaning. The echoes of the Bible in the Mass are a treasury for us to explore. The new translation will make that more possible. We live with the Mass throughout our lives and so, God willing, we have plenty of time to grow in understanding and in love of it. It is the most wonderful thing that happens on the face of this earth.