In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us how to pray the “Our Father”.
It has truly deep theological ramifications if you think about it – He is literally saying God is your Father. Not like hinting or giving a euphemism or metaphor about how God is like our divine parent etc
It is clear as ice – “Our Father”.
Now I guess the big question for humanity is – do we then trust Him as our Father. Do we love Him as our Father.
If we truly have found and accepted in our life’s journey that He is Our Father, then we have to learn to trust Him in all things good and bad.
Immediately after this passage in the Gospel, Jesus also tells us to be persistent in prayer.
“What father among you, if his son asked for a fish, would hand him a snake? Or if he asked for an egg, hand him a scorpion? If you then, evil as you are, know how to give your children what is good, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”
I remember the struggles in my life’s journey with my late wife’s cancer. It was a long drawn affair and we were praying intently, almost always. I had to entrust my fears and sorrows to Him entirely. Every day’s prayer was the same – expectant in faith that somehow a miracle may happen. But always willing to surrender to His will.
It was the longest two years of my life.
We didn’t get what we prayed for initially. But as time went on, we knew that His will would be done. And that He will also get us through it with grace.
And He did.
So go to your Father whenever your burdens are great, and let Him take care of it as He knows best.
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