Today an attender shared his frustration with the Lords Prayer.
Our Father, which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy Name. Thy Kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, As we forgive them that trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, The power, and the glory, For ever and ever. Amen. Why, he said, would the word bread appear in a prayer? Such a mundane thing to ask for! Unless the bread is specially leavened. The word for bread, in this passage, is epiousios (ἐπιούσιος) and it is an hapax legomenon (a word that only occurs only once within a context) found only in the Lord's Prayer. The Greek word was translated to mean bread, but its original meaning could also be interpreted as "spiritual nourishment,", "the revelation of Jesus," or in Catholic teachings the "supersubstantial bread or eucharist." When read with this context in mind, we can recite the Lord's Prayer and ask for our daily bread in a whole new light. As Quakers we sit in quiet waiting for word of God. Our epiousios. Joseph Olejak
1 Comment
|
This blog was set up to post content of interest to Old Chatham Quaker members and attenders. Posts related to one's own personal spiritual journey, reports based on interviews with others, and reflections on Quaker-related topics are welcome. Posts by individuals are personal expressions and do not necessarily reflect those of the Meeting as a whole.
Guidelines for posting on website blog:
Submit to member of Communications committee; committee has editorial oversight over all content posted on the Meeting website. Be respectful of the nature of vocal ministry given in Meeting for Worship or other settings and any private conversations about spiritual matters. Cite source of any image or other external content submitted. Archives
December 2024
Categories |