Day 36, Tuesday, Book of Faith – Lenten Journey
Once again we are reminded that the difference in translation creates a very different way of understanding this petition. Asking to not be led into temptation is different than asking to be saved from the time of trial. I must admit, this has taken be a bit off guard. I looked closely at the NRSV translations in Matthew and Luke and both use the “time of trial” language, but both passages also include a footnote stating that “us into temptation” can also be used. (I’ve packed away my books so I’m not able to do deeper study on this as I would like.) The bottom line? Obviously, the words we use when we create our translations are important.
This does not at all take away from the truth proclaimed in today’s message. There will be times of trial for those who follow Jesus. I sometimes call it the fine print at the bottom of the imaginary contract. Those who follow Jesus will be scorned because Jesus was scorned along with being crucified. We, who are connected to him through the waters of Baptism, can expect no less than what Jesus experienced.
The issue comes with how it is we translate this petition of the Lord’s prayer. Are we asking specifically to be spared from these times of trial or are we asking that we may remain faithful when these times of trial occur? In all actuality, the answer is “Yes” to both. No matter how the petition is translated, we are mindful of both concerns. We do not desire ourselves or anyone to experience times of trial, and we especially do not want anyone’s faith, including our own, to fail because of such trials.
After reading today’s meditation I can truthfully tell you I would be terrified if I lived in a Muslim country. (At least based on the little I know about certain factions.) What would I do, how would I react if I were told to make a choice between Christianity and the Muslim faith? Would I be able to suffer the consequences of my choice if it meant losing my life? I can’t imagine what it must be like to live in a place where a person is not free to worship openly, to not have to be fearful every day as one sits quietly and prays.
One of the questions to ponder was why I think that in parts of the world where the church and Christians are persecuted, the church grows more rapidly than in places where there is no persecution? Could it be as simply as this – human beings want what they are told they can’t have – what is taken away from them? Does the “sneaking around” add to the experience of worshipping? I fervently pray I never ever have to find out!