Dominus Vobiscum, Et Cum Spiritu Tuo...(The Lord be with you, and with thy spirit)

 DOMINUS VOBISCUM, ET CUM SPIRITU TUO...

NARRARE

In the Catholic Mass, we have a precious treasure named "The Eucharist." The term "Eucharist," originates from the Greek word "eukharistia" meaning, "thankful, or gratitude." At every celebration of the Holy Eucharistic Sacrifice, Catholics believe Jesus Christ is present in flesh, and blood after the priest consecrates the bread, and wine. Otherwise known as, "Transubstantiation." This conviction stems from Sacred Scripture when Jesus Christ takes bread, and breaks it with a blessing proclaiming, "Take it; this is my body." Since Christ himself is divinely present in flesh, and blood during Mass, it is a part of our reverence to be thankful/grateful of receiving Him in a state of grace. 

Which means the faithful must pay attention during Mass, especially before consecration is about to take place. There is a set of prayers stated by the priest in which the laity must respond to as well. However, it is difficult to identify this moment when the language being spoke is Latin, rather than your secular vernacular tongue. I remember during the middle of the Tridentine Mass, I did not notice when the priest spoke the prayers, nor did I respond. I would listen to everyone else reply in unison, and it sounded beautiful. It took me a while to understand Latin pronunciation; I recall it sounding like one entire tone of voice rather than a composition of words. 

After a few weeks of attending the Traditional Mass, I came to understand the prayers along with their responses. I only became happier when I was able to follow this part of the Mass. Below are the following liturgical prayers with their English translation, and etymological explanations: 

LATIN 

Priest: Dominus vobiscum. 

Laity: Et cum spiritu tuo.

Priest: Sursum Corda.

Laity: Habemus ad Dominum. 

Priest: Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. 

Laity: Dignum et justum est.

ENGLISH

Priest: The Lord be with you.

Laity: And with thy spirit.

Priest: Lift up you hearts.

Laity: We have them lifted up to the Lord.

Priest: Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. 

Laity: It is meet and just. 

ETYMOLOGY

• "Dominus" means "Lord" or "master." In Christian usage, "Dominus" specifically refers to God as the Lord.

• "Vobiscum" is a combination of two Latin words, "vobis" meaning "you" (plural, dative case) and "cum" meaning "with." "Vobiscum" literally translates to "with you all" or "with you (plural)."

When combined, "Dominus vobiscum" translates as "The Lord be with you," expressing a wish or prayer for God's presence and blessings upon the congregation or individuals.

• "Et" means "and" in Latin, as in the English language.

• "Cum" means "with" in Latin.

• "Spiritu" is the ablative form of "Spiritus," which means "spirit" or "breath" in Latin. 

•  "Tuo" is the ablative form of "Tuus," which means "your" in Latin.

• "Sursum" is a Latin adverb meaning "upward" or "upwards." It is derived from the Latin word "surgo," which means "to rise" or "to ascend."

• "Corda" is the plural form of the Latin word "cor," which means "heart."

Together "Sursum corda" literally means "Lift up (your) hearts." It is an invitation or exhortation to the congregation to raise their hearts, minds, and spirits in devotion and worship to God.

• "Habemus" is the first person plural present indicative form of the Latin verb "habeo," which means "to have" or "to hold." In this context, it is used to convey possession or holding.

• "Ad" is a Latin preposition meaning "to" or "toward." It indicates direction or movement towards a particular location or entity.

• "Dominum" is the accusative form of the Latin word "Dominus," which means "Lord" or "master." It is used here to refer to God.

• "Gratias agamus"  is a combination of two Latin words: "Gratias" is the accusative plural form of the Latin noun "gratia," which means "thanks" or "grace."

• "Agamus" is the first person plural present subjunctive form of the Latin verb "ago," which means "to do" or "to make." In this context, it is used to convey the action of giving thanks.

• "Domino"  is the dative singular form of the Latin noun "Dominus," which means "Lord" or "master." It is used here in the dative case to indicate the recipient of the action, so it translates to "to the Lord."

• "Deo nostro": This translates to "our God." 

  "Deo" is the dative singular form of the Latin noun "Deus," which means "God."

• "Nostro" is the ablative singular masculine form of the possessive pronoun "noster," meaning "our."

• "Dignum" is a neuter singular form of the Latin adjective "dignus," which means "worthy" or "deserving."

• "Et" is a Latin conjunction meaning "and."

• "Justum" is a neuter singular form of the Latin adjective "justus," which means "righteous" or "just."

Visual Representation of the Preface In The Traditional Latin Mass

Traditional Latin Mass: Preface

 DOMINUS VOBISCUM, ET CUM SPIRITU TUO...