In today’s Gospel reading, Matthew shares the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. It is the summary of how we are to live. We are to acknowledge God’s greatness, petition for nourishment, seek forgiveness, and appeal for protection against evil. We are also reminded to be discrete in our prayer life by not drawing attention to ourselves as we worship our God.

Saint Peter Julian Eymard also promoted similar components through his teachings that a prayer visit to the Blessed Sacrament extends the “four ends” of the Eucharistic celebration: adoration, forgiveness, thanksgiving, and petition. Saint Eymard also promoted the practice of “the gift of self” to surrender ourselves entirely to God’s will. It is through the grace of God and the partaking of the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ that we become what God has designed us to be.

Prayer:

Oh, loving and gracious God, You want only the best for us and have given us our Redeemer to teach us how to carry out your will. May we always worship and praise you above all other gods. May our earthly world reflect your holy kingdom of peace and justice. May we be blessed to have what we need and share our gifts with our neighbors. May we learn to forgive and be forgiven. May we turn from evil and reflect your goodness in everything we say. May You reign forever and ever in our hearts and minds. Amen.