Into the Mystery
"Your Father knows what you need before you ask him." Matthew 6:8
After these words, Jesus invites us to pray the Our Father. This one prayer invites us into the whole mystery of God's love, care, promise, and call for repentance and forgiveness--in short, it takes us back to the Gospel of Sunday: "Repent and believe the good news" (Mark 1:15).
The Our Father is meant to be a way of life, not only a way to pray. It takes us from the experience of being forgiven, to the challenge of forgiving those we have offended or harmed. Jesus invites us to live this prayer-relationship with God: to know that we are loved--and supported by that love--to love, care for, and forgive others.
Our Father in heaven is bringing forth this new kingdom of justice and charity through each of us. Forgiveness and repentance is a two-lane highway--there is no "E-Z Pass!" This is yet another cost of discipleship.
I will take time to pray the Our Father slowly and reflectively, choosing a phrase to remain with me throughout this day.
Readings: Isaiah 55:10; Psalm 34; Matthew 6:7-15
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