Reflection for March 11 Tuesday of the First Week of Lent: Matthew 6:7-15

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 to closeness with God? It is prayer that comes from the depths of our being. This is the foundation of our closeness with God. From the fountain of our prayerful life will emanate the God-given desire to know more about Him. Do we always pray with our hearts and minds fully engaged? Or do we only pray when we feel the need or when we have the time? 

The most effective method of prayer is to pray without any excess baggage in our hearts. What does this mean? It means praying without carrying any hatred. For example, if someone has wronged us and is asking for our forgiveness, what would we do? Would we forgive or refuse to forgive? 

Of course, we must forgive. For how can God forgive us when we ourselves are unwilling to forgive? How can we be open to the many blessings of God if our hearts are full of unforgiveness? We must live forgiveness if we want God to hear and forgive us. 

We are mere passersby in this world. Sooner or later, the curtain of our life in this world will close. How can we enter heaven if we carry the weight of unforgiveness in our hearts? And how can we go to heaven if we carry the burden of hatred? 

When Jesus was dying on the cross, He said a short yet deeply meaningful prayer to God. While gasping for breath, Jesus prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34) If Jesus can forgive, why can’t we? 

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