11th Week, Thursday, June 20
Sir/Ecclesiasticus 48:1-14 / Matthew 6:7-15
Sirach eulogizes Elijah and Elisha: Elisha worked many marvels.
The Book of Sirach treats two main themes: meditations on how to live and a review of Old Testament history. The review of Old Testament history takes the form of eulogies of the great heroes of Israel's past. One by one, the book parades these heroes before us.
Today's reading eulogizes Elijah and Elisha, two great prophets in Israel. Concerning Elisha, Sirach writes: "Nothing was beyond his power. In life he performed wonders, and after death, marvellous deeds." (NAB) The stories of Elijah and Elisha are examples of how God works through ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things.
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Have we ever experienced God's power acting through us in some extraordinary way? Lord, help us become an instrument through whom you can do your work.
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The reading from Sirach is a hymn of praise in honour of the fiery prophet Elijah. In the words of Jesus, Matthew gives us today a catechesis on prayer. The reason and basis of our prayer should not only be merely that we need something and we should not think that our prayer is more powerful when we use a stream of words. We pray because Jesus asks us to and because we have trust in our Father who knows what we need even before we ask him. In our prayer we should also place first things first: God and his kingdom, which is manifested and communicated to us by bread, forgiveness and protection.
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Whenever we talk about sin, we usually put it under two categories: mortal sin or grave sin, and venial sin. Venial sin are less serious sins, but let us not underestimate them. Because venial sins can have serious and damaging consequences.
Let's take for example in the family. After dinner, we might have noticed one family member always avoiding the washing of dishes or the cleaning up. We get irritated, and after a while, this irritation becomes resentment, and slowly a bitterness sets within. And when we can't take it anymore, we confront that person, but we confront that person with resentment and with bitterness.
Our intended correction becomes a criticism and maybe even a condemnation. That was why after teaching His disciples to pray, Jesus emphasized forgiveness. But it is not about forgiving those who have done us wrong but rather forgiving them for their failings. Because when we stand before God, we stand before Him as sinners with our own set of failings.
If a sinner cannot forgive another sinner for his failings, then prayer does not make sense, and that was what Jesus was saying.
But when we realize that we are no better than the other person whom we are about to point our finger at, then mercy and forgiveness have already begun to flow in us.
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Opening Prayer
Lord our God, you know what we need even before we can ask you. We are sure of this on account of the human experience of Jesus your Son, who was one of us. And so, we pray you: Don’t take it amiss when we use too many words to cover the emptiness of our hearts, and teach us through your Spirit in us to ask for the things that matter, you and your kingdom, that will last for ever and ever. Amen
Intercessions
– For members of contemplative orders, that they may be very attentive to the needs of the Church and of the world and pray for them, we pray:
– For all of us, that we may seek God’s will in our prayer rather than ours, we pray:
– For all of us again, that the Lord may give us a spirit of prayer and intimacy with God, we pray:
Prayer over the Gifts
Father in heaven, we are certain that you will always hear us on account of your Son in our midst. With him we pray that we may recognize you and praise your name, that your kingdom may grow among us and that we may do your will loyally together with Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Before the Our Father
Let us do what Jesus told us to do and pray to our Father in heaven in Jesus’ own words: Our Father…
Prayer after Communion
Father, your Son Jesus, alive among us now, insists that we forgive one another. Help us to forgive the way you pardon, completely and without regrets, because you have forgiven us much and paid yourself the penalty for our sins through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Blessing
Prayer for us is not a flight from life or from commitment to people but a plea to God to give us the courage to face reality and to care for people. May God give you this insight and strength and bless you, the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit.
Commentary
20 June 2024; Matthew 6:7-15
Prayer: A Conversation with the Divine
This morning, Jesus instructs us on prayer. It’s not about fancy words; instead, it is authenticity that matters. He advises against babbling like pagans, emphasising that our Father understands our hearts without long speeches. Let's pause and connect with the Divine.
Visualise standing at the boundary of eternity, where heaven meets earth. Sense the sun's warmth on your face, breathe in sacred air. Let's pray: "Our Father in heaven, may your name be revered." Reflect on these words. Our Father—knows us deeply and loves us completely. His name—holy, mighty, and gracious. "May your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Envision a world where love and justice prevail. Let’s actively usher in this kingdom by seeking daily sustenance of not only bread but also hope, kindness, and purpose. Extend a gesture of love to someone today. Embrace forgiveness as the path from brokenness to healing. Let grace abound as we navigate life's challenges with unwavering faith.
Believe in the Divine guiding us away from danger. Forgiveness unlocks closeness to our Father. Giving and receiving forgiveness leads us forward with grace, witnessing miracles. Offer simple, sincere, love-filled prayers today.
