Thamajoy Reang csc –
Readings: Gal 2: 1 – 2, 7 – 14; Lk 11: 1- 4
In the first reading, we see Paul defending the gospel of grace that he was entrusted to proclaim. Some of his followers had gone astray from the truth of the gospel and were living a life of hypocrisy, but Paul remained faithful to his mission of preaching to the Gentiles. We also see Paul confronting Peter for his inconsistent behaviour.
Peter proclaimed that salvation is attained through faith in Christ, but his actions distanced him from the Gentiles. Paul, however, proclaimed the gospel to all—both the circumcised and the uncircumcised. Like Paul, we are called to remain steadfast in fulfilling our mission for the Lord, bringing justice to the poor.
In the gospel, we see Jesus teaching his disciples how to pray. The Lukan community portrays the Lord’s Prayer being taught on a level plain, among the people. The first petition focuses on God’s will: “Hallowed be your name, your kingdom come.” All our requests should be subjected to this fundamental desire—that God’s kingdom would come, and his will be done among us.
Jesus also emphasizes the importance of asking for our daily needs, including the forgiveness of sins, daily sustenance, and God’s guidance in times of trial. The Lord’s Prayer becomes an expression of our faith and our need to unite our human nature with the Divine.