The Catholic Calendar for Wednesday, October 6, 2004
Wednesday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
St. Bruno, priest
Blessed Marie-Rose Durocher, virgin (USA)

Scripture from today's Liturgy of the Word:
Galatians 2:1-2,7-14
Psalm 117:1-2
Luke 11:1-4

A reflection on today's Sacred Scripture:

Lord, teach us to pray... (Luke 11:1)

Jesus in today's Gospel gives the definitive answer to a question still being asked today by those seeking an easy formula for proper prayer. Thousands of authors have provided "methods" rather than stressing that the validity and power of prayer depends upon the motivation and purpose within a pray-er's heart and mind. Prayer is genuine and effective if it springs from a heart sincerely seeking God, one drawn by His love to living in His will, His Divine Word, Jesus Christ.

The key to doing this is in Christ's reference to God as our Father; all else proceeds from our wholehearted acceptance of this truth. God is the giver and sustainer of our lives. Hence, we, and all that comes from Him, Who is perfect Love, has been imbued with the potential for His goodness and perfection; but as our Father, He leaves our achievement of His virtues to our choices (free will) which may or may not be guided by His truth and love.

True prayer requires humility, our acceptance that of ourselves we can never consistently and purely shine forth our Father's goodness--His mercy, forgiveness, compassion, gentleness and generosity--every virtue that results in filling this world with His peace, love and justice. Prayer is actually our constant reaching out in need to God, asking Him to heal our sinfulness while learning to live with faith, hope and charity in His living Word revealed to us in Christ Jesus.

O Father, Lord of life,
make us sincere pray-ers,
that You may make, through us,
Your goodness and holiness known in this world.
Amen

- Marie Bocko, OCDS
(mlbocko at earthlink dot net)

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posted by joachim at 4:16 AM