Translation Moments – from gruel to lobster

I’m not a professional translator or a great Latinist.  However, I did spend a number of years working for a major Scripture translation organization, so I am always bemused by various translations. In the course of preparing Lauds for the Saturday after Ash Wednesday (for a conference), I thought the closing prayer in my English Liturgy of the Hours was pretty thin gruel.  So I consulted the Latin and then I consulted Universalis, which now uses the updated collects.

Latin original: Omnipotens sempiterne Deus, infirmitaten nostram propitius respice, atque ad protegendum now dexteram tuae maiestatis extende. Per Dominum.

Universalis:  All-powerful and ever-living God, look with compassion on our frailty, and for our protection stretch out to us your strong right hand.  Through our Lord.

Liturgy of the Hours in English: Father, look upon our weakness and reach out to help us with your loving power.  Through our Lord.

Thin gruel to a good streak – or since it’s Lent, a good lobster.

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About Mary Jane Ballou

Mary Jane Ballou’s life in sacred music began in a children’s choir at the age of three. Instrumental music waited until her piano lessons started in primary school. And her music life remains a joyous pairing of sacred vocal music and the instrumental repertoire of Spain, Ireland, and Scotland.

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