Forgive us our vexes

 

I offer to Thee prayers for all whom I have in any way grieved, vexed, and oppressed, by word or deed, knowingly or unknowingly, that Thou mayest equally forgive us all our sins, and all our offenses against each other.

I paused at the word “vexed” in this prayer by Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380-1471).

Vex means to irritate, annoy, provoke, and has its origins in Latin to shake, jolt. One source suggests it may be used with reference to trivial matters. It’s a word we rarely say or hear.

To be vexed resides somewhere between being concerned and being enraged. The word rhymes with hex and perplex, giving it an air of mystery unrelated to its etymology. But that works: people can “vex” other people with irritating and inexplicable words and deeds that are more bothersome than threatening.

Why on earth do they do that? It’s so annoying!

Who hasn’t thought that about someone they love, or who loves them?

Vex has a place in our Lenten vocabulary of repentance. We are quick to take offense these days, when sometimes what we are experiencing is simply vexing. Perhaps I am vexed by your attitude would invite more give and take than I am offended by your attitude.

With Thomas à Kempis, let us ask forgiveness for our vexatious words and deeds, and forgive others for theirs, allowing God to equally forgive all sins, minor and major, known and unknown. Doing so heals wounds.