Empower Your Faith / Matthew 6:7 — 15

1st Week of Lent — Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Gospel

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.

“This is how you are to pray:

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.

“If you forgive men their transgressions, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.”

Reflection

My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today’s Gospel reading highlights the importance of prayer and forgiveness in our daily lives as Christians. Jesus reminds us that prayer is not about using many words or babbling, but rather it’s about having a deep and personal relationship with God, our Heavenly Father.

As we know, prayer is an essential aspect of our Christian life. It is through prayer that we communicate with God, share our joys and sorrows, and seek guidance and support from Him. However, Jesus warns us not to make our prayers repetitive or insincere, for God already knows our hearts and our needs even before we ask Him. Instead, we should approach prayer with humility and simplicity, knowing that our Father hears us and desires to grant us His grace and blessings.

Furthermore, Jesus teaches us the importance of forgiveness. In the Lord’s Prayer, we ask God to forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. Forgiveness is an essential aspect of our Christian life, for it reflects the mercy and love that God has for us. We are called to imitate Christ’s example and forgive those who have wronged us, just as we have been forgiven by God.

Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is necessary for our spiritual growth and well-being. When we hold onto grudges and resentment, we become burdened by anger and bitterness, which can lead to further sin and separation from God. By forgiving others, we free ourselves from the bondage of sin and allow God’s grace to heal and transform us.

My dear friends, let us strive to deepen our prayer life and grow in forgiveness towards one another. Let us approach prayer with sincerity and simplicity, seeking to know and love God more fully. And let us imitate Christ’s example of forgiveness, extending grace and mercy to those who have wronged us. As we journey through this Lenten season, may we be renewed in our faith and strengthened in our resolve to live as true disciples of Christ. Amen.