Gospel: Matthew 6:7-15
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.”
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Reflection:
What is the secret
toward intimacy with God? Its prayers that comes from the depths of our beings.
This is the foundation of our intimacy with God. From the fountain of our
prayerful life will emanate the God given desire to know more about God. Do you
always pray with your heart and mind on it? Or you only pray when you feel that
you need to pray or when you have the time to pray?
The most effective
method of prayer is to pray without any excess baggage in your heart. What does
this mean? You pray without carrying any hatred in our heart. For example if
someone has done you wrong and this person is asking for your forgiveness. What
would you do? Will you forgive or not forgive? Of course you have to forgive.
For how could God forgive you when you yourself is not willing to forgive? We
have to live forgiveness if we want God to hear and forgive us.
We are mere passers
by in this world, sooner or later the curtains of our life in this world will
come to a close. How can we go to heaven if we carry the weight of unforgiveness
in our hearts? And how can we go to heaven if we carry the weight of hatred in
our hearts?
When Jesus was dying
on the cross He said a short yet very meaningful prayer to God. While gasping
for breath Jesus prayed this: Father forgive them for they know not what they
do (Luke 23:34). If Jesus can forgive why can’t we forgive?
Do you have hatred
or any form of unforgiveness in your heart right now? Let go of it and if you
still cannot let go humbly pray to Jesus and ask Him to heal you. – Marino J. Dasmarinas
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