Dear Parishioners,
Today, we have the Lord’s Prayer in the scriptures. It’s the only prayer Jesus taught his disciples. A short series of petitions that we utter at every Mass and most other forms of prayer. The prayer has often stumped people when they approach the words, “Lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Does God lead us into temptation? How dare He? That’s why I do what I do! LOL! No, God does not lead us into temptation.
Across the world of the Church there has been a move to change the language of this line in the Lord’s Prayer. And, of course, there has been much uproar that Catholic people might have to change or make an adjustment. We can still hear the uproar about a decade ago when there where errors in translation CORRECTED. Other countries have already made this change.
The new translation says “do not let us fall into temptation,” which makes more sense in our language and understanding. We pray to God to help direct our thoughts and actions away during times of temptations and to protect us from the evils that might befall us.
With an open mind, perhaps we will see a change in our liturgy. Of course, due to this pandemic there will be future changes to our ritual including adjustments to the “kiss of peace,” among other parts of mass. Change, growth, and renewal all bring about consternation and welcome. Education and formation assist in easing the tension between the two. Ultimately, allowing God’s grace to act is always the solution.
Blessings,
Fr. Mark
