Feb
12
2008
By Anonymous (not verified)
Feb. 12, 2008
Readings: Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15
"This is how you are to pray ... ." Mt 6:9
For years now, scientists, hobbyists, and even the governments of nations have gone to great lengths to contact extraterrestrials. For instance, a sort of message in a bottle by means of radio waves was sent into outer space. There's even an effort under way combining the power of home computers worldwide into one great computer to process signals from space in hopes of making contact with other life forms. In other words, we're trying to communicate with beings whose existence is uncertain, whose relationship to us is unknown, using forms of communication we have no clue will be understood.
These methods recall the scattershot means by which pagans tried to force a response from the deity. They would babble, reciting a long list of divine names, hoping that by luck or by pluck, contact would be made.
It's funny to consider how communicating with God, the Creator of all things, is a cakewalk in comparison. Three differences make this so. One, we know God is real. Two, we know where we stand with Him - that He is our Father and we His children. And three, we know He understands our language. These three points are confirmed in "The Lord's Prayer." By this prayer, we are invited to ask God for the things we need to live as His sons and daughters: namely, protection from evil and forgiveness from sins. As the Lord told St. Faustina, "The prayer of a humble and loving soul disarms the anger of My Father and draws down an ocean of blessings."
"The Lord's Prayer" enables us to approach God with confidence because Jesus has opened the way for us through His Death and Resurrection. When said in sincerity, with a humble heart, "The Lord's Prayer" is no less than a speed dial to the Creator Himself.
Father, help me to be merciful and forgiving towards my neighbor as You have been towards me. Give me the grace and strength to do Your holy will. Amen.
Scripture
Ps 3:4-5, 138
Rom 8:26-27
Catechism
2759-96
Diary of St. Faustina
320, 1221-23
Readings: Is 55:10-11; Mt 6:7-15
"This is how you are to pray ... ." Mt 6:9
For years now, scientists, hobbyists, and even the governments of nations have gone to great lengths to contact extraterrestrials. For instance, a sort of message in a bottle by means of radio waves was sent into outer space. There's even an effort under way combining the power of home computers worldwide into one great computer to process signals from space in hopes of making contact with other life forms. In other words, we're trying to communicate with beings whose existence is uncertain, whose relationship to us is unknown, using forms of communication we have no clue will be understood.
These methods recall the scattershot means by which pagans tried to force a response from the deity. They would babble, reciting a long list of divine names, hoping that by luck or by pluck, contact would be made.
It's funny to consider how communicating with God, the Creator of all things, is a cakewalk in comparison. Three differences make this so. One, we know God is real. Two, we know where we stand with Him - that He is our Father and we His children. And three, we know He understands our language. These three points are confirmed in "The Lord's Prayer." By this prayer, we are invited to ask God for the things we need to live as His sons and daughters: namely, protection from evil and forgiveness from sins. As the Lord told St. Faustina, "The prayer of a humble and loving soul disarms the anger of My Father and draws down an ocean of blessings."
"The Lord's Prayer" enables us to approach God with confidence because Jesus has opened the way for us through His Death and Resurrection. When said in sincerity, with a humble heart, "The Lord's Prayer" is no less than a speed dial to the Creator Himself.
Father, help me to be merciful and forgiving towards my neighbor as You have been towards me. Give me the grace and strength to do Your holy will. Amen.
Scripture
Ps 3:4-5, 138
Rom 8:26-27
Catechism
2759-96
Diary of St. Faustina
320, 1221-23
aggb