In today’s
Gospel from Luke we are reminded where this prayer comes from. And in a bit of
irony, the only formal prayer that Jesus taught us, one that almost everyone
knows, is taught to the disciples with the instruction to not to rely on formal
prayers, but to pray simply, familiarly, and from the heart. I wonder how many
of us pray in this way?
When Jesus
is asked about prayer, he says to call God our father, to speak to him like
family, because God is our father in heaven, and like our father on earth,
wants to help and protect us. We should call God Father, Abba.
I have
always been struck in my journeys to the Holy Land how often I hear a little
child call out, Abba. For us, here in the States, the word would be “dad” or “daddy.”
Would you ever think during prayer to say, “Daddy or Dad, how are things in
heaven?” I know it sounds funny. But Jesus teaches us to pray with simplicity,
with familiarity and from our hearts.
Yes, we
are to respect God, like we respect our parents. Yes, God name is holy, and we
honor God as our father. We call on God for what we need. We ask for our daily bread,
for what we need each. What father would
give a snake to a child asking for food? None that I know. God, as our father
is no different.
If an
earthly father cares for and supports his family, how much more will God, our
heavenly father care and support us? When we ask for what we need to live, Abba
will provide. God is and will always be good father to us.
Our
earthly parents don’t abandon us if we do something wrong, nor will our
heavenly Father. God wants to teach us right from wrong and protect us from
danger, like any good parent. We’re not perfect. We sin, even when we try not
to, and at times we probably don’t try hard enough not to. And if we imperfect
beings are still good parents to our children, how much better is our perfect
heavenly Father. God is our most important role model. Our Father loves and
forgives us, and we are asked to love and forgive in the same way. We are asked
to help our friends in need just like our Father provides for us. We asked to forgive
one another like our Father forgives us.
The Our
Father as a prayer has become standardized and formal. Often we say it many
times each, at mass, as we pray the rosary, at meetings. When we say the Our
Father, as often as we can we should give pause to think about what are saying,
to think about what the words mean. Often when I give the Our Father as a penance
during the Sacrament of Reconciliation I say, “Pray the prayer slowly. Listen
to the words. What is God offering you? What is God asking of you?” Remember
when we say the Our Father we are talking to our Dad, our Abba. We are taking
the time to offer our love and respect. We are trusting in Our Father love
through our willingness to ask for our basic needs, to ask for forgiveness when
necessary, and we are also promising to love and care for each other just like Our
Abba loves and cares for us.
Have a
great Sunday everyone!
Daily
Prayer:
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. Amen. (Say it slowly.
Listen to the words. What does God offer you? What does God ask of you?)
A Runner’s
Thoughts:
“I’m not saying running could solve all of the world’s problems, but I think it
would be a good start.” (John Bingham)
Daily
Blessing: Sunday
greetings and blessings to all. We have begun the eighth day of the novena here
at St. Ann’s in Scranton and it was a big crowd this morning at the 8 am mass.
I began the day at 7:30 am hearing confessions and now I have a little break
until 11:45 am mass. It should be a busy day and unfortunately it is going to
be a hot one. I hope your Sunday has started off well and just a reminder, don’t
forget to give God a little time today!
As always
if you have some prayer intentions that you would like me to remember during
the novena please send them along to me via email, Facebook, Twitter or text. I
will make sure I include them in my novena prayers and mass each day! I
continue to remember the people of Germany and Munich as they deal with the tragedy
that happened during last week. I pray for peace, eternal peace for those who
lost their life and comforting peace for those who grieve the loss of loved
ones and friends.
I pray
your Sunday will be blessed with good weather and a little rest and relaxation.
That today will be a day when you take a little time off and get away from the
busyness of life. If you cannot I pray that you will have a chance to do so
soon! I also pray that you will give a little time to God on this summer
Sunday.
My prayer
of blessing for you today is this – wherever you are today, whomever you are
with or will encounter and whatever you are doing or will do - I prayer that
you will be blessed with the grace, love and presence of God. May the God of Peace,
who shared with us Jesus, his Son, furnish all of us with all that is good, so
that we may always do what God has created us to do. And may we always take
some time to rest and enjoy life. May we remember to pause and listen for and
to the presence of God if our life.
Enjoy
your day, think positive thoughts, stay cool, wear a smile and trust that God
journeys with you! Blessings to all on your journey through this Sunday and
every day! Peace in Christ's Passion...Fr. Paul
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