We have a loving Father
Someone commented that we would not have had the torrential rains and devastating floods in our country this week if only the three tropical storms named “Crising”, “Dante”, and “Emong” knew how to give in to each other, and did not enter and stay in our Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) at the same time. Hayzzzz… Even in the weather, we have traffic in the Philippines!
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In today’s Gospel (Lk. 11, 1-13) our Lord teaches us the “Our Father”, the Lord’s Prayer, which is the template for peace and order in ourselves, and in our world. It teaches us that there is a God who is a loving and forgiving Father, and that we are brothers and sisters who should also love and forgive one another.
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The 10 Commandments of God, which are summed up in Christ’s mandate for us to love God, love our neighbors, and ourselves, are all embodied and concretized in the Lord’s prayer. The more we pray it with the heart and apply it in our lives, the more we come closer to God and to one another.
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In the “Our Father”, the Lord teaches us not only what to pray for, but also how to pray. Let us learn to pray with HOPE.
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HUMILITY. When we pray, we come as lowly creatures to Someone greater than us, like that of a servant to a Master. A humble and contrite heart is a heart that is so pleasing to God. We also pray with gratitude, for we all have been forgiven, saved, and blessed. Instead of feeling down when we do not receive what we asked for in prayer, let us humbly thank God for the many times He gave us what we did not even deserve or ask for.
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OBEDIENCE. We do not order God when we pray. We premise all our prayers as petitions with “Thy will be done, Lord.” We pray, trusting in God’s wisdom, mercy, and perfect timing. We surrender everything and everyone according to God’s loving will and plan. “Let us take whatever God gives and give whatever He takes with a smile. That is holiness.” (Mother Teresa)
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PERSEVERANCE. We must pray without ceasing, and not be dismayed especially when God seems not to hear our pleadings. The Gospel talks about persistence in prayer. Just pray, and pray on. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” (Romans 12,12).
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EXPECTATION. We pray and believe that what we ask for will be given to us. Like a child, may we be ready for surprises and second chances from this God who loves us more than we know. Whenever we pray, let us expectantly believe that God will make a way, and that, indeed, He makes all things beautiful in His time!
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Guided by the “Lord’s Prayer”, let us remind ourselves and one another today: There is a God, you and I are not God, and let us stop playing God; Let us respect His name, He is our King, and we follow His will; He is our Father who provides for us generously; we are sinners but he is compassionate and forgiving; We, too, must learn to forgive one another as He has forgiven us so many times; He allows us to be tested, but not beyond capacity; He is our great Protector and Deliverer from all evil. Amen.
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It’s Grandparents’ Sunday today in memory of St. Joachim and Anne, parents of Mary, grandparents of Jesus. God bless all Lolo’s and Lola’s out there. Thank you for your love, you inspiration; and your fine examples to the those who come after you.
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Life is short. Death is certain. Our exit from this life can happen anytime. Let us live in such a way that when we leave this world, we will have little or no regrets that we loved too little, or too late. Again, let us remember that we carry with us nothing when we leave this world except the faith and the love we have practiced and shared.
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Think about this: As we grow on, while we cannot say that we are now sinless, may we be able to say that we now sin less.
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A moment with the Lord:
Please remind us again and again that we have a loving Father, and that we all are brothers and sisters. Amen.
