I have wondered about something for a long time that I think we have never discussed on this blog. Let's discuss it today. It's the little word 'as'.
Say what?
Let me explain. I'm referring specifically to the word 'as' found in the middle of a particular sentence in the middle of what Christians call The Lord's Prayer. If you're unfamiliar with that prayer, it's the one that begins "Our Father which art in Heaven, hallowed be The mame."
Here is the sentence I'm talking about:
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.
Some traditions use this wording intead: And forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.
But what does that 'as' mean exactly? Here are some possibilities:
1. Because.
2. Only to the same extent that (and not one whit more than).
3. At the very same instant that (and not one second sooner than).
4. At some future unspecified time, possibly just before I take my last breath or even later such as on a Day of Judgment).
5. Inasmuch as (that is, since).
6. For it is our intent to (even if we never actually get around to).
My mother would often say that the road to hell is paved with good intentions. Let that sink in.
Perhaps I am overthinking this. Perhaps it is enough simply to note that immediately following the 'Amen' on that prayer in the sixth chapter of Matthew's gospel are the following words:
'For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive your trespasses: But if you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive you.'
It is sobering to contemplate on a day when a great deal of so-called "mostly peaceful" but often quite violent "protest" is being predicted and even encouraged in some quarters.
Perhaps we ought to stop saying 'God bless America' so much and start praying 'God save America' instead.
P.S. - Today is (a) Flag Day, which commemorates Betsy Ross presenting George Washington with the first American flag on June 14, 1777; (b) a military parade in Washington D.C. in observance of the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Army, which the Continental Congress in Philadelphia established on June 14, 1775; and (c) the 79th birthday of President Donald J. Trump, who was born on June 14, 1946. These are apparently occasions of either pride and happiness or hate and disgust, depending on one's political views.
Forgiveness is hard.
ReplyDeleteSorry for the delay in replying, but life became busy all of a sudden. You are correct, unfortunately. Would that it were simpler. I think it’s not a matter of mind over matter but of a decision of the will over emotional. Thank you, Janice.
DeleteHappy Flag Day. Our flag is important to me. A lot of flags are displayed improperly. Few people know how to fold our flag or how to store it. The very same folks who strut and bluster about our flag have no idea of flag protocol. It is not about political views. We all pledge to the samr flag.
ReplyDeleteI know flag protocol. I was a Boy Scout as well as a member of the U.S. armed forces. Thank you, Emma.
DeleteI think the "as" in that prayer is similar to the phrase - "treat others the way you want to be treated". So if you want to be forgiven, you should be ready to forgive others, too.
ReplyDeleteOur protest today was terrific - no violence, no trouble - just lots of people marching, chanting, encouraging each other to speak up against our cruel president.
All my life i read that "as" as option 1: because.
ReplyDeleteThen somebody referred to it as #2. Only to the same extent.
It blew my mind.
God save America.
Same thing happened to me. I have been quicker (I hope) to forgive ever since. Thank you, kylie.
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