Gospel – Matthew 6:7-15
Jesus said, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. ‘Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
The Gospel of the Lord
The Mass intention is for Anne Ventisei RIP
Reflection:
Are you having difficulty praying just now? Lent is a time when we really try so hard to pray and at times it seems the harder we try the less we seem to pray! Maybe you are confused, annoyed, day-dreaming. Try to be still for a few moments.
Do you not know what to say? Try the prayer that Jesus offers here, the Our Father, praying it slowly, or just be still and silent in the Lord’s presence. Prayer is a time of relaxing into the mystery of God’s love, letting go of tensions and worries for this period of time. See the smile on Jesus’ face the fact that you are trying so hard to pray and be with him. All Jesus wants is for you to be in his company this Lent!
- What does this prayer tell me about who God is? Which is my favourite phrase?
- Which do I have most difficulty with? Let that be my prayer?
