Today’s Gospel reading from Matthew takes us back to the basics of prayer as
Jesus teaches His followers the “Our Father.” This is certainly not new to any of us, and yet I find myself wondering how much I really think about the words I pray. The line that jumps out for me today is “May your name be held holy.” What does it look like to hold someone’s name as holy? I picture holding something very precious and sacred, cradling it in the palm of myhand, and guarding it with my life. It certainly has my undivided attention.
I also wonder how Mary must have prayed to the Father, the Father of her Son Jesus, who has given her life and placed the life of Jesus within her? Certainly, she knows a unique intimacy with God. I could envy her relationship with the Father, but then I recall that God has also given me life and I have the privilege of daily receiving the life of Jesus in Eucharist.
Perhaps we relate to God under the title “Father” or perhaps we have another name for God. The important piece is the depth of our relationship of love and that we daily call God by name.
What is your favorite name/title for God?
2 Responses
Sr. Marilyn Marie has been captured by the holiness of God’s name in the “Our Father.” I’ve had a similar experience this week, but with another dear and familiar prayer: the Glory Be. I’ve been at St. Meinrad Archabbey in Indiana this week at a prayerful art and spirituality workshop where we were invited to join the monks in prayer throughout the day at the various Hours. The other day I realized we prayed the Glory Be, with a profound bow, no less than six times — at least! — in each Hour of prayer. What an invitation to reflect on the holiness of God’s name often during the prayer periods! I found myself pondering when I could do this throughout the busy-ness of any single day so as to live this praise of God more fully.
Thank you for sharing this reflection, Sr. Susan Maria. Isn’t it amazing how we can tend to take something for granted until an experience makes it very real and personal for us? Praise God!