I can still be surprised after more than sixteen years on this Jedi Path.
A while back, I heard someone say that they had an issue with the phrase, “May the Force be with you.” Like, the Force just is. Nothing I say is going to change the fundamental structure of the universe.
Saying MTFBWY is like wishing someone the gift of gravity.
Okay, I get that. But let me take us on a closer look at this sentence.
For a very long time, i believed that everything important to Jediism could be found in Yoda's lines in The Empire Strikes Back. That could be where my blind spot to MTFBWY comes from, because Yoda doesn't use that sentence until the prequels.
“May the Force be with you” was a marketing line from the original Star Wars movie. With that in mind, you might think it comes from Obi-Wan, the character who introduces Luke (and us, the audience) to the Force. But Obi-Wan doesn't say that line. He tells Luke, “The Force will be with you. Always. “ And that's more in line with how I view the Force.
Gravity will be with you. Always.
You know who does use the line? Han Solo. The guy who doesn't believe in the Force, who says that “Hokey religions and ancient weapons are no match for a good blaster at your side, kid.” When this hardened skeptic wishes the Force's favor on his new friend Luke, even though he doesn't believe, it is an emotional moment that makes us love that nerf herder even more.
But he doesn't understand the Force. He just wants to encourage his friend, who he really believes is about to go on a suicide run against an armored space station.
And that's the thing. I can't get mad at people using MTFBWY, because I know that in this community, as in the gear-up scene before the Battle of Yavin, it comes from a place of love, of sincere good wishes.
I still won't be using it, though. I'll stick with what Obi-Wan taught me:
The Force will be with you. Always.
Comments 4
Good observation, the intent behind saying MTFBWYA it is good. Knowing that the Force is always with us , takes faith 😊
I think that MTFBWY is valid not only in its sentiment, but in its roots. It mirrors the Christion Phrase "May the Lord be with You." From a Christinna perspective the Lord like the Force is always there, but you must be open to either for them to be "with you." To me saying to someone "May the Force be with you" is not only good wishes, but perhaps a reminder to "let go" and feel the Force and by being open to it.
To me it references the duress of struggle as it might distract one from one's path.
A very interesting read, and I love the points you make. Was it not general Jan Dodonna who said it first, in ANH as a rallying cry to the rebels before they attack the Death Star? Then Han, who says it for luck and support. Then we look at the prequel trilogy, and interestingly the phrase is used probably 10 times total and each time it is used in a way of showing the speaker's hope for guidance for those hearing the phrase. Not just luck. *Guidance*. And if we know anything about the Jedi from the Star Wars series - they were imperfect. Even knowing the Force was ever present, ever flowing, in all things, they hope the Force works for good. They do hope it works in their favor, as warriors of good.
I personally will continue with MTFBWY, but will try to add "The Force Is With You, Always" to my vernacular as I do agree with you that it has a separate meaning. One is inherently human in the desire to hope things work for what we perceive as the best, the other is a reminder that we are never alone.
Great post :)