Some nice explanation here from various experts about what’s been wrong with the RC liturgy and how it will change come next December, the first Sunday of Advent, 2011:
The original translation of the Roman Missal into English was carried out under 1969 Vatican rules that stressed simplicity, modernity and other factors that would make the language of the liturgy more comprehensible and participatory.
I believe it.
[T]here was concern “that the language has been too laid back” and failed to convey the rich liturgical heritage of the Roman rite.
Yep.
The new translation [in December] shows an effort “to heighten the language a bit” and capture “the transcendence as well as the imminence of God,” he says.
Yes, give us a taste of something special here, alert us to the mystery.
“. . . To radically simplify the language is often to dilute the concept.”
Not to make light of the problem that led to simplifying things, but you do lose something. I like the challenge the translators are recognizing. Let’s hope they meet it.
Blithe Spirit 