In our first reading today from the Prophet Isaiah it is prophesied that the word of God the Father – that is: the Word of God – Jesus – would come to the earth and do the will of the Father. He would achieve the end for which he was sent: namely, the salvation of the human race.
From all their distress, we sang as our responsorial refrain, God rescues the just.
If we then LISTEN to the Word of God – who came to speak very plainly, loudly and clearly what is God's will – then we will be clear about a great many things regarding the living out of our human lives.
For example, if we listen to, and actually use, the magnificent, the all-inclusive, the absolutely perfect prayer that Jesus taught us, as recorded in today's gospel passage – then all of our concerns will be addressed – and we shall know how to live a perfect life.
He said, when you pray – pray simply – not babbling on like pagans: pray this:
Our Father who is in heaven
Holy is your name,
Your Kingdom come,
Your will be done on earth as in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread;
And forgive us our sins
As we forgive those who sin against us;
And lead us not to the test,
But deliver us from all evil.
Then he underscores a very crucial part of the prayer: if you forgive others for what they do to you, God will forgive you what you do to him; if you do not, then he will not! And if he will not – then you are in deep trouble! The whole coming to earth of the Word, his Son, will have been in vain for you!
May we strive this and each and every day of our lives to pray simply and live devoutly the Lord's Prayer – just as Jesus himself modeled it – and lived it first!
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