Pro Multis

The new English translation of the Roman Missal is a hotly debated subject in the American Catholic world. One of the biggest complaints is that very important phrases are being literally translated, and for that fact and that fact alone there is a loss of true meaning. What opponents of the new translation mean by this is that literal translation from the Latin Missal is improper because the meaning of phrases is lost along with the poetry and beauty of the intended meaning.

One particular phrase, which has always caused controversy is 'Pro Multis.' This is said during the Consecration and currently in English is translated as "For All." For a while modernists tried to convince us that pro multis really meant for all, but when historical record showed that the correct way to translate this was for all, the strategy switched and the argument became that it was incorrect Theology.

Well, I have found a Homily commentary from St. John Chrysostom that explains why for many is the correct theological concept [from Hebrews 9:28]:

So Christ was once offered. By whom offered? Evidently by Himself. Here he says that He is not Priest only, but Victim also, and what is sacrificed. On this account are [the words] was offered. Was once offered (he says) to bear the sins of many. Why of many, and not of all? Because not all believed. For He died indeed for all, that is His part: for that death was a counterbalance against the destruction of all men. But He did not bear the sins of all men, because they were not willing.

I think that is pretty clear.

I can't wait for Advent.

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