"Our Father"

2 corinthians 11:1-11; psalm 111 you works O Lord are justice and truth; Matthew 6:7-15

Today in the gospel Jesus teaches us how to pray:

"Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.  Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil."

In teaching us this prayer, God makes himself accessible, even vulnerable.  He puts himself within reach of our invocation.  He assumes the risk of relationship, of communion with us. 

Thus by giving us the "Our Father" God enables us to purify and correct our desires and assist us to slowly come to realize what we truly need.

When we pray the "Our Father:, we are praying to God with words given by God as St. Cyprian reminds us.  Thus, we we pray these words, Jesus' promise regarding true worshipers, those who adore the Father "in spirit and truth" is fulfilled in us.

St. Benedict coined the phrase, "our mind must be in accord with our voice."  In prayer, especially liturgical prayer prayed out loud, the word, the voice, goes ahead of us, and our minds must adapt to it.  Thus as we say the "Our Father" we set out toward Him, we gradually come to know Him and draw closer to Him.

In the "Our Father" Jesus involves us in his own prayer; he leads us into the interior dialogue of triune love; he draws our human hardships deep into the heart of God.  Thus, the words of the "Our Father" train us in the inner attitude of Jesus, in the "Our Father" we have the mind of Christ.

The "Our Father" keeps us connected.  It is a global experience.  We recognize that we are no longer isolated but intimately united by the will of the Father who wants us all to be one.  We don't need super fast internet or networking, we just need to let what we pray become real in our lives, allowing the very first words "our Father" become the foundation for peace and love for all.

scripure for memory

" In this morning, fill us with your love." psalm 90

quote of the day

"mens nostra concordet voci nostrae-our mind must be in accord with our voice" St. Benedict