Tuesday of the 1st week of Lent
Gospel – Matthew 6:7-15
“In your prayers do not babble as the pagans do, for they think that by using many words they will make themselves heard. Do not be like them; your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Saying this Jesus taught the prayer, “Our Father”. After teaching the prayer Jesus said, “Yes, if you forgive others their failings, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours; but if you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failings either.” So the prayer “Our Father” is in between these two teachings of Jesus. It shows what should be our attitude when we pray “Our Father”. The first is total trust in the Lord which is not expressed in words but expressed in confiding totally in the hands of God our Father who knows what we need before we ask Him. Then the second is our capacity to forgive others who did damage to you, who did harm to you, who did insult you, who hates you. This forgiveness towards others is what our prayer should be based on. So, complete trust in the Father and complete peace with others. Let’s reflect: Lent is the time to grow in the trust upon God our Father and in peace with others.
Tuesday 20 February
