Ab Solis Ortu usque ad Occasum
In the Office of Readings this morning, we read (From Malachi):
Ab ortu enim solis usque ad occasum magnum est nomen meum in gentibus, et in omni loco sacrificatur et offertur nomini meo oblatio munda …
My translation:
For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name is great among the nations, and in every place a pure offering is sacrificed and offered to my name …
Eucharistic Prayer III has this line:
[...] ut a solis ortu usque ad occasum oblatio munda offeratur nomini tuo.
My translation:1
[...] so that from the rising of the sun to its setting, a pure offering may be offered to your name.
Usually, I think of Eucharistic Prayer III as referencing Psalm 113 (”a solis ortu usque ad occasum laudabile nomen Domini“), but this reading from Malachi seems quite apt as well, especially since it mentions the “pure oblation” (oblatio munda), which is a clear type of Christ. It even mentions how this sacrifice is offered (or re-presented) throughout the world and at every time.
1The currrent ICEL translation says “so that from East to West a perfect offering may be made to the glory of your name.” This translation is incorrect, and much has been said about it. Thankfully, it will be corrected.
