Welcome to the second week of comparing the New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE) with the Revised English Bible (REB) for the second reading at Sunday’s Mass. As mentioned in last week’s introduction, this will be a chance to compare a strongly literal translation like the NABRE New Testament with a much more dynamic translation like the REB. As the translators continue to work on revising the NABRE New Testament, it also provides a chance to reflect on the strengths and weaknesses of the current translation (which was completed in 1986). This Sunday, the second reading is from the Acts of the Apostles.
Sunday, June 24th, 2018 — Nativity of St. John the Baptist. Daytime Mass.
Second Reading: Acts 13:22-26
NABRE:
“…Then he removed him [King Saul] and raised up David as their king; of him he testified, ‘I have found David, son of Jesse, a man after my own heart; he will carry out my every wish.’ From this man’s descendants God, according to his promise, has brought to Israel a savior, Jesus. John heralded his coming by proclaiming a baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel; and as John was completing his course, he would say, ‘What do you suppose that I am? I am not he. Behold, one is coming after me; I am not worthy to unfasten the sandals of his feet.’ My brothers, children of the family of Abraham, and those others among you who are God fearing, to us this word of salvation has been sent…”
REB:
“…before God removed him [King Saul] and appointed David as their king, with this commendation: ‘I have found David the son of Jesse to be a man after my own heart; he will carry out all my purposes.’ This is the man from whose descendants God, as he promised, has brought Israel as saviour, Jesus. John had made ready for his coming by proclaiming a baptism in token of repentance to the whole people of Israel; and, nearing the end of his earthly course, John said, ‘I am not the one you think I am. No, after me comes one whose sandals I am not worthy to unfasten.’ My brothers, who come of Abraham’s stock, and others among you who worship God, we are the people to whom this message of salvation has been sent…”