The Word God Spells

Matthew 6: 7-15
Is 55:10-11 / Ps 34: 4-7, 16-19

If you do not forgive others, your Father will not forgive you either.
(Matthew 6:15)

The Lord’s Prayer is in every way
The most complete prayer there is.
As Jesus taught us how to pray,
Let’s pray for forgiveness and peace.

Jesus instructed His disciples on praying: “Your Father knows what you need, before you ask Him. Pray, then, in this way: Our Father Who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Do not bring us to the test, but deliver us from evil. If you forgive others their wrongs, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive you either.” (Mt. 6: 8-15)

Reflection

Our Lord taught us this prayer in order that we may seek to have a closer personal relationship with His Father. The first word, “Our” denotes unity with all of God’s children, as well as with His Beloved Son. That single word brings the Supreme Being, Creator of the Universe to us as a loving, caring Father. And so we ask Him each day to sustain and nourish us, not only with food on the table, but with the Body of His Son in the Eucharistic meal. More importantly, we also say this prayer for peace. But we cannot have true peace unless we are penitent of our sins and ask for God’s forgiveness (knowing the gravity of His sacrifice for their remission), and pledge likewise to forgive those who wrong us, so that we may be considered worthy to be His children.

Jesus said, “Love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Mt. 5:44) I remember Bro. Gabby who was persecuted for many years by bitterness towards his godson, who had cost him his hard-earned money in a failed business venture. To help the young man, he had hired him to be the manager of his piggery, but because of negligence and unexplained expenses, Bro. Gabby lost more than a million Pesos in the venture. Many years later, already in the renewal, he and his wife learned that the daughter of their godson was dying of cancer. Filled with compassion, his wife convinced him to pay the man and his sick daughter a visit in the hospital. If only for the sake of his godson’s dying daughter, Bro. Gabby put aside his bitter feelings and forgave the man, even offering words of consolation. It was on a happier note that the daughter died peacefully afterwards, having witnessed the great reconciliation. But just two days later, Bro. Gabby was also called home by his heavenly Father, as if God had given His son a chance to leave this world on a clean slate.

During this Lenten season, let us reflect on how we can give back to God what we have already received from Him — His grace of forgiveness. Reflect on His words in the first reading: “For just as from the heavens the rain and snow come down and do not return there till they have watered the earth, making it fertile and fruitful, giving seed to him who sows, and bread to him who eats, so shall My Word be that goes forth from My mouth; it shall not return to Me void, but shall do My will, achieving the end for which I sent it” (Isa.55:10-11). Heed His Word: Forgiveness heals and makes all things grow in love and peace once again.

Lord Jesus, we thank You for teaching us how to pray to God, our Father, so that we may always be trusting in His mercy and to learn the value of forgiveness. Amen.