This gem* from the Catechism of Trent gives a different spin on the word 'Amen' than what we may have previously heard. We know Amen can mean 'so be it,' as if said to give our own assent to a prayer. This brief passage however, explains that when said by the priest it means 'it is done,' as if to show the Father's promise to us.
The Seal Of The Lord's Prayer: 'Amen'
Meaning of the Word 'Amen'
The faithful, then, should be taught that the fruits, which we gather from the conclusion of the Lord's Prayer are numerous and abundant, the greatest and most joyful of them being the attainment of what we ask…
First Explanation
Indeed, so frequent was this Hebrew word ['amen'] in the mouth of the Saviour, that it pleased the Holy Ghost to have it retained in the Church of God.
Its meaning may be said to be: Know that thy prayers are heard. It has the force of a response, as if God answers the suppliant, and graciously dismisses him, after having favourably heard his prayers. This-interpretation has been approved by the constant usage of the Church of God.
...In the Sacrifice of the Mass, when the Lord's Prayer is said she does not assign the word 'amen' to the server who answers: 'But deliver us from evil.' She reserves it as appropriate to the priest himself, who, as mediator between God and man, answers
'amen', thus intimating that God has heard the prayers
of His people. This practice, however, is not common to all the prayers, but is peculiar to the Lord's Prayer. To the other prayers the server answers 'amen', because in every other this word only expresses assent and desire.
Other Explanations Of The Word 'Amen'
By many, the word amen is differently interpreted. The Septuagint interprets it, 'So be it'; others translate it, 'Verily': Aquila renders it, 'Faithfully'. Which of these versions we adopt, is a matter of little importance, provided we understand the word to have the sense already mentioned, namely, that when the priest (pronounces Amen),
it signifies the concession of what has been prayed for.
This interpretation is supported by St. Paul in his Epistle to the Corinthians, where he says:
For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why we utter the Amen through him, to the glory of God. 2 Cor.1:20
Advantages of Terminating our Prayer with this Word
To us also this word is very appropriate, containing, as it does, some confirmation of the Petitions which we have already offered up. It also fixes our attention when we are engaged in holy prayer; for it frequently happens that in prayer a variety of distracting thoughts divert the mind to other objects. Nay, more, by this word we most earnestly beg of God that all our preceding Petitions may be granted; or rather, understanding that they have been all granted, and feeling the divine assistance powerfully present with us, we cry out together with the Prophet:
Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is the upholder of my life. Psalm 54:4
Nor can anyone doubt that God is moved by the name of His Son, and by a word so often uttered by Him who for his reverence, as the Apostle says, was always heard.
What struck me about this passage is the message that we are to imitate Christ insofar as He prayed with complete confidence that the Father answers His prayers. Our petitions "have been all granted," the Catechism of Trent states.
God our all-loving Father, desires to give us everything that is good, and is just waiting for us to ask Him with confidence.
*Thanks to Mark Donnelly for sharing this passage on the 'amen'.