15 Mar
Tue
1st Week of Lent
Is. 55:10-11
Ps. 33(34):4-5,6-7,16-17,18-19
Mt. 6:7-15
(Ps Wk I)
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The word of God is not a spoken word in the normal sense nor does it consist of the printed words on a page. In the biblical understanding the divine word is God's will and teachings. It can be expressed in events, such as the liberation of Israel from Egypt or the healings of Jesus in the New Testament. It can also take the form of prophecy, the teachings and writings of wise and spiritual men and women, or in creation itself. One thing is clear: the word of God is alive and at work, both in the world and in our lives. We are not alone. Our lives have a deep and holy meaning, even when things appear otherwise. We should never lose hope or harden our hearts to the beauty of this world and of life itself.

The words of the Our Father are not magic - even if we repeat the prayer 1,000 times it is useless unless we live it. When Jesus gives his followers this prayer it is meant as a pattern to live and follow. It teaches us to honour the majesty and power of God as a loving parent, to live in a holy way so as to sanctify the name of God on earth, and to be willing to step aside and let God run the whole show on earth. Not only that, we are not to be anxious or greedy but trust in God's providence for us. And most of all - we must forgive others the sins they have committed against us before we can even dare to ask God to forgive ours. There is so much in that prayer, enough for a whole lifetime. Let us take each point of this beautiful prayer and do our best to apply it each day - then we will experience its true power.



Lord, teach me to pray.

DAILY OFFERING
Eternal Father, I offer You everything I do this day; my thoughts, words, joys and sufferings. Grant that, vivified by the Holy Spirit and united to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, my life this day may be of service to You and to others. I also pray that all those preparing for marriage discover in Sacrament the source of Christ's grace for living a fithful and fruitful love. Amen.

PRAYING WITH THE CHURCH
INTENTION
That the nations of Latin America may walk in fidelity to the Gospel and progress in justice and peace.
Elaboration

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