Today, both readings invite us to reflect on the significance of prayer in our lives. In the first reading, we encounter the famous Prophet Elijah, one of the most revered prophets in the Jewish tradition. Elijah’s ministry was characterized by his unwavering commitment to God and his fearless proclamation of truth in the face of opposition.
Despite the challenges he faced, Elijah remained steadfast in his faith and witnessed the miraculous intervention of God in numerous ways. Elijah’s fervent prayers were instrumental in bringing about divine interventions, such as raising the dead and the manifestation of fire from heaven. Like Elijah, we are called to approach God with faith and persistence, trusting in his ability to answer our prayers according to his will.
In the gospel reading, Jesus teaches his disciples how to pray by introducing the Lord’s Prayer. This prayer has two parts. In the first part, we acknowledge who God is, and in the second part, we acknowledge who we are before God. In the opening petitions, we prioritize God’s name, God’s kingdom, and God’s will, inviting God to be God.
In the following petitions, we express our dependence on God for our fundamental needs: our physical needs symbolized by bread, and our spiritual needs, including forgiveness for our sins and strength in times of temptation by evil. Every day, let us pray the Lord’s Prayer as a prayer of love so we may find great treasure and deep peace within.
By Praveen Bandula csc - Readings: Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11; Mt 17: 10-13 Elijah was one of the greatest prophets among all prophets in the Jewish community. They regard him as great and special because of the mighty wonders he performed during his lifetime. God had given him a special…
Eldho Augustine csc - Readings: Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11; Mt 17: 9a,10-13 In the first reading, we read about the prophet Elijah who performed mighty wonders during his lifetime. He worked tirelessly to bring the people of Israel back to God. Jewish people are expecting Elijah to return to save…
Eldho Augustine csc - Readings: 1 Kgs 19: 19-21; Mt 5:33-37 In our first reading from the First Book of Kings, we witness Elijah journeying to central Palestine to find Elisha, whom God has chosen as Elijah’s successor. When Elijah finds Elisha, he places his cloak over him, signifying God’s…
By Praveen Bandula csc - Readings: Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11; Mt 17: 10-13 Elijah was one of the greatest prophets among all prophets in the Jewish community. They regard him as great and special because of the mighty wonders he performed during his lifetime. God had given him a special…
Eldho Augustine csc - Readings: Sir 48: 1-4, 9-11; Mt 17: 9a,10-13 In the first reading, we read about the prophet Elijah who performed mighty wonders during his lifetime. He worked tirelessly to bring the people of Israel back to God. Jewish people are expecting Elijah to return to save…
Eldho Augustine csc - Readings: 1 Kgs 19: 19-21; Mt 5:33-37 In our first reading from the First Book of Kings, we witness Elijah journeying to central Palestine to find Elisha, whom God has chosen as Elijah’s successor. When Elijah finds Elisha, he places his cloak over him, signifying God’s…
