We may give a start of recognition whenever we read verses nine to thirteen of to-day's Gospel. They make up, of course, the Our Father we know so well. The introductory verses, seven and eight, are, however, also important as they set the tone for the prayer itself.

With these introductory words Jesus was warning against a superstition, current at that time, that one could put pressure on a god by calling it by name. The suppliant went on and on naming all the gods he or she had ever heard of in the hope of forcing a favourable response by a lucky choice of name.

In such a case the suppliant will be, to some extent, in control of the process. With the Our Father the situation is radically different. God, with a capital G, is in control. The enterprise of his Kingdom, a kingdom of mercy, justice, honesty and truth, is a glorious showing forth of his very nature. God is the prime moving force in the victory of our human sin-damaged nature over evil.

In him lies the initiative and the staying power for the great enterprise of heaven being established on earth. But he shares that power with all of us who lay ourselves open to his overwhelming energy. If asked, he will willingly grant the strength necessary to overcome the exploitative urge that brings poverty and hunger to many. He can draw us to repentance and enable us to forgive as we have been forgiven.