Breaking the Word

1^st week in Lent, Wednesday – 09^th March 2022 — Gospel: Lk 11,29-32

Be attuned to Respond

To those demanding a sign from Jesus, he refuses to work any sign concretely, except to quote from the Scriptures. Prophet Jonah was a sign to the people of Nineveh because he preached God’s word to them, in the same way, Jesus is a sign to the present generation because he proclaims the Word of God to them. Likewise, the Queen of Sheba travelled to King Solomon to hear God’s wisdom spoken from him. The people of Nineveh responded with repentance to the word spoken by Jonah (Jonah 3,5), and the queen responded with praise to the God of Israel for the wisdom spoken through Solomon (1 Kings 10,9). These Gentiles responded so favourably to Jonah and Solomon; they show themselves more receptive to God’s revelation than the present generation of Israelites. Jesus is ‘doubly greater’ – greater than Jonah and Solomon; that means he is the greatest, because he is God’s Word made flesh and is also a personification of God’s wisdom. Therefore the crowd should certainly respond to the Word and Wisdom of God spoken in and through Jesus, his son by their whole-hearted acceptance and through repentance.

1^st week in Lent, Tuesday – 08^th March 2022 — Gospel: Mt 6,7-15

Simple Words for Perfect Prayer

The Lord’s Prayer is probably the most frequently recited traditional prayer of the Church. These words of Jesus are eloquent, perfect, simple and concise. Each phrase invites us to a conversion of heart, soul and mind. The prayer contains challenge upon challenge to our fallen human race. Jesus begins the prayer with a surrender to God, the almighty.  Then asks our Loving Father for seven petitions: 1) Hallowed be your name, 2) Your kingdom come, 3) Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven, 4) Give us today our daily bread, 5) Forgive us our trespasses, 6) Lead us not into temptation, and 7) Deliver us from evil. The Lord’s prayer is not just a prayer; it is also a way of life. The words of the prayer communicate the attitude that one must have toward God and others. While we acknowledge our dependence on God for everything and regard him always as the primary cause, our attitude to others must be one of acceptance and forgiveness.