"ABBA, FATHER"
In teaching us
how to pray Jesus invited us to address God with Him as "Our Father."
Today's
first reading is a poem in honor of Elijah, the Prophet. Elijah was truly a
great man, the representative of God to his people, and the one who spoke in
God's Name. When Jesus Christ was transfigured on the mountain, two other
persons appeared with Him; Moses, who represented the Law, and Elijah, who
represented the prophets.
Elijah
did not have the privilege of praying to God in the manner in which Jesus has
taught us to pray. To Elijah, God was Lord, the Creator of the heavens and the
earth and all they contain; the Protector and Guide of His people, and the One
with Whom He had entered into a Covenant of fidelity and love. But the Prophet
had no revelation of God as an actual Father. It was Jesus Who revealed God as,
literally, His Father, and our Father, too. We have been called to enter into a
relationship with the Father through Christ Jesus. Thus, making us God's
children, too!
In
teaching us how to pray Jesus invited us to address God with Him as "Our
Father." He opened up a whole new vision of God for us. We now see that
our heavenly Father views us as very precious and loveable, simply because we
are His children. With confidence, we know that we can ask God for help and
that we will receive His grace and mercy to help guide us through life's
challenges.
Most
people know the words to the "Our Father," but do we know this prayer
by heart - that is, do we tune in to this prayer? Do we see that we truly have
a relationship with God that flows into all aspects of our lives? Take time
with this prayer today, let each word speak to you, and then reflect upon it.
In
our Responsorial Psalm we acclaim, "Rejoice in the Lord, you just"
(Ps. 97:12a)! We are called to love and worship; to be fair and kind; to help
others and do good to them. Reflecting on the "Our Father" today, may
we come to see our relationship with God and how good it is, bringing us true
happiness and joy in the heart as His children!
We
love You, "Abba, Papa!"