Thy Will Be Done

February 28, 2012

Tuesday of the First Week of Lent

By Beth DeCristofaro

So shall my word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void, but shall do my will, achieving the end for which I sent it. (Isaiah 55:11)

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. (Matthew 6:7-8)

Piety

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. (Matthew 6:9-13)

Study

As a chaplain, I have shared the Lord’s Prayer with Christians from many backgrounds, always very moving. Sometimes we say the prayer together but sometimes I speak alone for those who have no words. Perhaps he is too ill or she is mute in distress. At times the other person, language cut off due to dementia, earnestly utters those few words she remembers. Together we call God “dad” and we acknowledge that we are utterly dependent on God who is full of sheltering mercy. The good news is that God knows what we need. And God’s greatest gift is the living bread of Jesus who, because we two are gathered in his name, is with us.

“Our Father”. So powerful. In good times and bad, the Lord’s Prayer is an invitation of love asking me – asking us - to place God at the center of our life. And the actions at the center of our life are relational: accepting forgiveness and offering forgiveness. “Thy will be done.” With God as our primary relationship then loving relationships will flow to our neighbors. In the best of times we can celebrate with God! In the worst of times, safe haven and forgiveness are ours. Life is full of sacred moments. Relationships cannot be ignored or taken for granted. Jesus offers us a way to be aware if we listen rather than babble.

Action

Say the Our Father aloud with someone. Be open to the Presence of the divine in your relationships and within yourself.