What is a hidden meaning in “forgive us our trespasses” ? Most of us think that that means we should not “trespass” on the property or rights of others.
There is an overlooked “internal trespass” We “trespass” on our precious, immortal soul when we let our conscious mind move sin-encouraging thoughts to our soul.
When we allow ourselves to dwell in pride, envy, greed, gluttony, anger, lust, or sloth, our soul shrinks.
We have thoughts that we dare not speak aloud. We have desires of which we are rightfully ashamed. When our soul recognizes that our spirit is considering what should be shunned, the the soul will cry: “Get away from there!”
If the soul’s plea for purity is heeded by the spirit, the wise will say, “God, forgive me.” The prudent will try to stop trespassing upon our soul with corrupting considerations.
If we willingly entertain such thoughts, the shrunken soul is stained. As the stain grows, the soul shrinks. Soon, it can no longer cry “Stop that! You are killing me!”
Many cannot abide their own soul’s cry for love. They may silence it with drugs and alcohol. Evil thoughts become hurtful words as the spirit is drawn into sin.
If the trespass upon the soul is not stopped, hurtful words turn into hurtful actions. The soul is so shriveled it can no longer cry “Be good! You will end up suffering forever.”
The unshackled spirit does not care. The battle between good and evil has been lost. So has the soul.
We may be blessed to ask God: “Forgive us our trespasses.” That begins to swell the shrunken soul with energy from beyond.
After we say, “Forgive us our trespasses”, we know that we have a job: “as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
As we obey that, our soul begins to brighten.
