My classmate, Gary, a Biblical scholar attuned to issues of translation is bothered by some of the ways the prayers of the Roman Missal are translated into English. For example, on the 9th Sunday of ordinary time we pray that “in works and in truth we may merit to enter the kingdom of heaven.” Gary points out that the word translated as “merit” does not capture the full nuance of the Latin word on which it is based. In addition it is bad theology since we don’t “merit” heaven, it comes as a gift from God. In the parable the landowner asks, Are you envious because I am generous?’ We must accept God’s love given not due to our merit but because God is generous.
