REFLECTIONS TODAY
After teaching about almsgiving on the Mountain of Beatitudes, Jesus exhorts his listeners to pray the Our Father or The Lord’s Prayer. It is the prayer of Jesus to his Father in heaven. The early Church has adopted this version of Matthew in its liturgical celebrations. We are not here only to give alms to the poor, but also to ask for alms from God. We are also poor in his eyes. We need his mercy and forgiveness to survive physically and spiritually.
After mentioning all the seven petitions, Jesus reiterates the need to forgive the sins of others that we too may be forgiven by the Father. Blessed are we if we pray the Our Father and are ready to forgive those who have offended us. We owe nothing to them except forgiveness.
Gospel • Matthew 6:7-15
Jesus said to his disciples: “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
“This is how you are 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.
“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”
Source: “366 Days with the Lord 2024,” St. Paul’s, 7708 St. Paul Rd., SAV, Makati City (Phils.); Tel.: 632-895-9701; E-mail: [email protected]; Website: http://www.stpauls.ph.