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Gospel Reflection for Tuesday, March 11, 2025
It is very much a thing to praise the Lord for how elevated in perfection this evangelical prayer is, being arranged by such a good Master, and so we can, daughters, each take it to our own purpose. I am amazed to see that in such few words, all contemplation and perfection are enclosed, it seems we need no other book but to study this one. Because up until now, the Lord has taught us all the manner of prayer and high contemplation, from the beginners to mental prayer, and quietness and union, that if I were able to say it, a great book of prayer could be made on such a true foundation.» (St. Teresa of Jesus. Camino 27,1)
Not just one great book but thousands, and comments and glosses and the illuminating twenty-six pages of the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and even the acceptable entry of Wikipedia… So, what commentary could be made from this page?
I invite readers to make their own commentary, their own experience of praying with the Our Father as Matthew recorded: just five lines with seven essential petitions. In the Our Father is the whole compendium of faith, hope, and charity. All that we believe, hope, and love. One Lord, and Father to whom we all address as brothers, children of one Father, a hope placed in the Kingdom and in the holiness we will achieve as children of God, human relationships of brotherhood, sharing daily bread and forgiving to be forgiven… And the aspiration and desire for the will of the One who has created us for His glory and our happiness to be fulfilled.
It is good to know some “techniques” to prepare for prayer. How to dispose ourselves, focus attention, find the right moment… But maybe it is enough with a predisposition to renew each day the amazement and thanksgiving that arise from trust in Jesus Christ, His beauty, goodness, and truth. He is our joy. We can pray with the prayer He taught us in happy moments and in sorrows, with anguish or enthusiasm, joyful or sad… Whether we feel it or not, He is there. He is always there.