“Lost in translation” – this is the expression used to say that a word, or idea, has not been rendered in a satisfactory manner.
When a text does not reflect the original meaning of a script, people say that the original or the ‘real’ meaning has been lost in translation’!

Some might argue that this applies to the first verse of the Psalm in today’s celebration.
It reads: “I waited patiently for the Lord” (Ps.40:1) (NIV: New International Version).

The Jerusalem Bible translation says:
“I waited and waited for the Lord.”

While the first translation stresses the patience involved in waiting,
the second one, with its repetition, describes an ongoing attitude.

Translated literally, the Latin text says:
“Waiting, I have been waiting for the Lord…”
 
Less elegant an expression, perhaps, but strong and really meaningful –
as if there were no place for any other activity but that of… WAITING for the Lord. 

This is not the place to quibble over the matter.
It is better and more encouraging to note the outcome of such a persevering wait:

“At last, the Lord has stooped to me and heard my cry for help.
He has pulled me out… and steadied my steps…
He has put in my mouth a song of praise to our God” (Ps.40:2-3).
 
It is indeed worthwhile to wait, is it not?…
 
Note: Another reflection is available on a different theme in French at: https://image-i-nations.com/20e-dimanche-de-lannee-c-2019/
 

Source: Image: Pexels