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I’ve heard many people say that the translation of the Bible that you use is irrelevant, as long as you actually use it.
To that I say: I agree. Mostly.
Words are powerful. And replacing one word with another can be completely change the feel of what was said.
For example:
If someone was to tell you, “You take my breath away,” you might blush or guffaw because you are flattered by the compliment. Or you might Han Solo it:
via GIPHY
But if someone was to tell you, “You are suffocating me,” your face might turn red in anger instead of embarrassment. Or you might Han Solo it:
Both phrases can mean the same thing, but most people know they have very different intentions.
In today’s first reading (Jeremiah 20:7-9), the translation you get from usccb.org’s daily readings says, “You duped me, O LORD, and I let myself be duped.”
Does God dupe people? I don’t think I would describe God as being deceiving.
If you look at Jimmy Akin‘s website, you’ll see that another translation instead of duped is persuaded. He also explains why bad things are sometimes attributed to God. I think that is a more apt description of how God does things. And for anyone who things that persuading is a bad thing (which it can be), God doesn’t use it in that way.
I posted an article about the mistreatment of someone by an older person because of how they were dressed for Mass. Although I don’t agree with how the woman approached the young lady, nor what she said to her, I can, to an extent, understand why she said it. She wasn’t trying to attack the teen – she was trying to get her to recognize how important the Mass is and that we should dress accordingly.
But she chose her words poorly. And for many of us, who are challenged to see the true beauty of the Catholic Church, poorly chosen words can lead us away from the Church, not towards it.
I know I have hurt people with my words. I’ve even used hateful words to those that I love when I’ve gotten caught up in the moment. It’s one of the many things that I’m working on.
And although being more intentional and pastoral with our words is important, being able to forgive is needed even more.
Take some time today or this week to reflect on the grudges that you’re holding onto. Pick at least one to let go of – and do what is necessary to make that happen. Here are some suggestions of what you an do:
Prayer
There have been times I’ve been so angry/annoyed at my wife, and I’m thankful that I’ve gotten into the practice of going to prayer. It allows me to see things from a perspective other than my own. It allows me to recognize that I might not have handled the situation appropriately.
Talk to the Person
A lot of times we have issues with someone, it’s because we make a lot of assumptions. And the only good assumption that’s been made is Mary.
Reconciliation
Yeah, you can ask for forgiveness for not forgiving someone. It’s also a good reminder of God’s mercy and how we need to reflect that more in our own lives.
