A New English Translation of the Scriptures

NEW! What a lovely three letter word. We often use ‘new’ to suggest that something is different or much improved. If it is ‘new’ it may be better. On this Sunday, we are using a new English translation of the scriptures. The Bishops of England, Wales and Scotland have mandated that the English Standard Version translation of the scriptures is to replace the translation known as the Jerusalem Bible translation, the one that we have been using for over 50 years.

The Bishops say, “These changes are intended to make the Biblical translations more faithful to the original languages, Biblical scholarship and to provide a text for use in a liturgical setting that is more proclaim-able and, where appropriate, more inclusive.” Like every other parish we have bought the four volume Lectionary, that will be read from the Ambo at every Mass, and we have also purchased a fine new book of the Gospels.

What else is new? This Sunday we begin a new liturgical year with the season of Advent and the season’s colour changes to purple. This colour is also used in Lent, to denote penitence, but Advent is a season of joyful expectation: so the colour purple, used during Advent, symbolises the anticipation of the coming of Christ, the King of Kings. Purple dye was the most expensive colour and was often only affordable to royalty.

Despite the frenetic activity of people buying presents and preparing for Christmas celebrations, we are given an opportunity to carve out some time silence and reflection in the next three weeks. Can I suggest that, in this next week, you take the Gospel of the day and read it in the morning, ponder the words, and then read it again in the evening. What message do you hear for your life from this reflection?

Monday: Matthew 8:5-11 When Jesus heard this, he marvelled and said to those who followed him, ‘Truly, I tell you, with no one in Israel have I found such faith.’

Tuesday: Luke 10:21-24 In that same hour Jesus rejoiced in the Holy Spirit and said, ‘I thank you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, that you have hidden these things from the wise and understanding and revealed them to little children.’

Wednesday: Matthew 15:29-37 ‘I have compassion on the crowd because they have been with me now three days and have nothing to eat.’

Thursday: Matthew 7:21, 24-27 ‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.’

Friday: Matthew 9:27-31 ‘Do you believe that I am able to do this?’ They said to him, ‘Yes, Lord.’ Then he touched their eyes, saying, ‘According to your faith be it done to you.’ And their eyes were opened.’

Saturday: Matthew 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8 ‘Go to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And proclaim as you go, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Heal the sick, raise the dead.’