Bishop Thomas John Paprocki | Diocese of Springfield

Alice from Springfield posed a question about the word "as" in the Our Father, expressing her long-standing curiosity and consulting the Catechism of the Catholic Church. She discovered an entire section dedicated to the meaning of this simple word.

Father Dominic Rankin, Master of Ceremonies and priest secretary for Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, responded by sharing insights from the Catechism. He highlighted that this "as" is not unique in Jesus' teachings, referencing passages such as: “You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect,” and “Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful.”

Rankin elaborated that it is impossible to keep the Lord's commandment by merely imitating a divine model externally; instead, there must be a deep participation in God's holiness, mercy, and love. This transformation can only occur through the Spirit (CCC 2842).

Addressing Alice's query on whether "as" implies our forgiveness must equal God's forgiveness toward us, Rankin acknowledged the challenge but pointed to Jesus' consistent call for divine love among His disciples. He referenced various teachings from Matthew's Gospel emphasizing radical love and forgiveness.

Jesus’ call for such love acknowledges human limitations but assures that with God all things are possible (Matthew 19:26). Rankin emphasized Jesus’ patience with His disciples’ struggles and suggested practical ways to approach forgiveness through prayer and reflection at the foot of the cross.

Rankin concluded by encouraging believers to remain close to Jesus and seek His help in extending forgiveness.

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