One of the many things that mark the divisions in the Christian church is the way we say the Lord’s Prayer.  The UCC, and most of the so-called ‘free church’ traditions say, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”

I grew up as a Methodist.  Methodists come from the Anglican tradition, which hews pretty closely to its liturgical roots in the Catholic church.  When I grew up, therefore, I learned to say, “forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

As a boy, whenever I heard the word “trespass,” I thought of walking through the woods with my dad, nailing up “No Trespassing” signs along the boundaries of our property in Hinsdale.  So, when I prayed, “forgive us our trespasses,” I meant “forgive me for the ways I cross the line and go where I shouldn’t.”

This last week our congregation has been challenged to hear that prayer in a new and personal way.  We experienced a trespass.  It was not a careless wandering across a boundary along a wooded path, or hopping a barbed wire fence to pick a neighbor’s ripe blackberries.  This trespass used a baseball bat to cross the line, and once across the boundary the trespasser just kept on crossing lines of decency and sanctity.  We learned once again that every trespass is a violation. 

Our trespasses break things too.  Our trespasses are an offence to what is holy.  Our trespasses destroy trust.  Our trespasses violate relationships, not just with God, but with other people and with our own sense of self – violating our integrity. 

We cannot escape the requirement to forgive this trespass which has broken our hearts along with our beloved stained glass.  We will seek justice and accountability, but we must release the offender from all bitterness in our hearts.  We must seek his good.  We must will as God wills: that he flourish and grow more fully into the image of God. 

Nobody said it would be easy.  But don’t kid yourself; it’s not optional for those of us who follow Jesus, the friend of trespassers.

Prayer:  From now on, every time I hear glass break, remind me of your mercy towards those who trespass.  Amen.