Photo: canva.com/Oleksandr Bushko
In high school, English grammar was never my thing. Years later, in writing my theology thesis, my director advised me to rewrite the text without all the split infinitives. I wasn’t even sure what a split infinitive was!
Then, I was suddenly faced with grammar again in Japanese-language school. My former high school failure impelled me to make a greater effort. There, I met something called a “causative verb”. Through conversational practice, guided by a kimono-clad and skilled elderly teacher, I finally got the gist of causative verbs. Her patient practice was far more effective than a technical explanation.
Causative verbs are used when one person or thing moves another person or thing to do something. They are extensively used in the Japanese translation of the Scriptures and in our liturgy and hymnal. But there are causative verbs and causative verbs - some, to my ear, are more fitting when it comes to describing the gentle spirit at work in us. For example, in the Mass in English, we have the words: “Make me worthy to share eternal life.” While “make” is a causative verb (God makes us worthy), the Japanese translation - “Cause me to enjoy eternal life” - better describes the gentle spirit at work in us. God will not make (as in compel) us do anything, but He will guide us if we ask.
A favourite hymn of Japanese congregations has a verse: “Oh Lord! Cause me to hear your words of encouragement that you spoke to Peter as he sank in the stormy waves.” And another verse of the same hymn: “Oh Lord, at my death, cause me to hear the words of consolation you spoke to the thief next to you on the cross.”
Causative verbs have a hidden spirituality. They acknowledge our human frailty and rely on the strength of the Lord. We are all called to be missionaries and as missionaries, we are instruments of Christ’s love, each in our own milieu. We never work alone.
Jesus tells us, “Without me, you can do nothing” (John 15.5). Paul has the same message in different words: “I can do all things in Him who strengthens me” (Phil 4:13). The last line of Mark’s Gospel stresses this point: “The Eleven went forth and the Lord worked with them.” (Mark 16:28)
Charles Schulz’s Peanuts cartoon strip often contained a Christian message. It could be decidedly biblical. Framed in my prayer corner is a strip that depicts Linus holding a shovel; in the final panel, he cries out: “I need a push from the Spirit!”
This attitude of humble dependence on guidance from the Lord makes proclaiming His love a team effort - with the principal member of the team being Christ himself.
Of course, this causative way of relying on God’s strength is valid in every aspect of our daily lives. It makes life’s journey not only less stressful but a joy. Try it! It works! Oh Lord, cause me to grasp the message.
Columban Fr Barry Cairns lives and works in Japan.
Listen to "The spiritual message of causative verbs"
Related links
- Read more from The Far East - March/April 2026
