Lord's Prayer: Prayer of Communion

Reflection on Today's Readings, 11th Week in Ordinary Time Year II, Thursday 18th June, 2020
Texts: Sir. 48:1-14; Ps. 97:1-7; Mtt. 6:7-15
Jesus Christ, in the prayer he taught us, calls us to be altruistic and unselfish. Besides, giving us the pattern of prayer, Jesus Christ also wants to realize that we are one in him. The prayer he taught us is often called the 'Lord's prayer' or 'Our Father'. This prayer expresses our communion with others. The prayer reminds us of the bond we share with others by using the word, 'Our Father'. No wonder, Jesus Christ asks us to make peace with our brothers before coming to present our offering before God (Mtt. 5:24).
It also affirms that we are not journeying alone; they are others who are passing through the same situation with us and they are our brothers and sisters with whom we share the same bond. These our brothers and sisters also need our prayers too. Jesus Christ taught us to pray for them by using the words: Give us our daily bread, forgive us, lead us, deliver us etc. Jesus Christ taught us not to pray for ourselves alone. The prayer that Jesus Christ taught us is altruistic and unselfish. Appostle Paul tells us the importance of being altruistic and unselfish with prayer when he says, "I urge you then, first of all that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and Thanksgiving should be offered for everyone, for kings and others in authority, so that we may live peaceful and quiet lives with all devotion and propriety. To do this is right, and acceptable to God our Saviour: he wants everyone to be saved and reach full knowledge of the truth" (1Tim. 2:1-4).
Do we still pray as Jesus Christ taught, today? How do we pray, today? Today, our prayers are more self-centered than ever. Today, we even pray against one another. It should not be a surprise to us that we now have more cases of armrobbery, terrorism, violence etc; it is because we pray against one another instead of praying for one another. How many of us remember and pray for others who share the same trouble or problem with us. Parents, do you remember to pray for the good of other children? Students, do you pray for success of other students? Shepherds of God's flock, do you pray for other shepherds. Let us stop praying for ourselves alone or against one another. Let us pray for the conversion of our enemies instead of their destruction. If our prayers against them could be answered, our prayers for their conversion could also do. Sometimes, our prayers for destruction of our enemies is born our of anger and attempt to take vengeance. If it is an attempt to stop their evil, then praying for their conversion is better, for it does not stop their evil alone, it also saves their lives.
The first reading sings the praises of Elijah. What made prophet Elijah great was his life that he lived seeking the good of all, protecting the statues, ordinance, custom and laws of the people of God. God wrought his mighty works through him and he left behind an exemplary life. Whoever is altruistic and unselfish reflects the glory of God.

Lord Jesus Christ, grant us your help not to seek our good alone but to also seek the good of others that we might reflect your glory and leave behind exemplary life. Amen.

Fr. Andrew Olowomuke