We Pledge ...

Old Values:  1917 WWI

We’re just a week into Lent now.

But we've already heard a lot about the three key activities of Lent.

Prayer, fasting and almsgiving.

A number of our Gospel readings have set out Jesus’ guidance on prayer.

Don’t make a public show of it to draw attention to ourselves.

But go into our rooms and pray in secret.

Clearly, he approves of our praying here in public at Mass—

We’re not doing it to draw attention to ourselves.

But he really does want us to pray in private as well.

Today Jesus adds some further guidance on prayer.

Don't babble like the pagans.

Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

Don't just babble-on with the prayers at Mass.

We should hear the words we say, think about the words we say.

Listen carefully to the words that are said for us and to us.

Take in the full ideas that all those words combine to express.  

And the same is true of our private prayer.

Don't babble-on. 

Don’t just talk.  

Listen.  Listen carefully.

What is God saying to me?

What word is coming forth—specially for me—from the mouth of God?

Last week we heard Jesus elaborate on today’s message.

Don’t worry about what you are to eat or drink or wear.

All these things the pagans seek.
Your heavenly Father knows that you need them all.
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,
And all these things will be given you besides.

Given our guidance not to babble-on with our petitions.

Given our assurance that God already knows what we need.

It might seem a little strange that, when asked how we should pray,

Jesus gives us a list of seven petitions to recite.

But when we look closely, 

We see that these are not your typical pagan petitions.

These are finely tailored.

Directly focused on that higher goal Jesus set for us.

Seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.

And so, we do petition our Father.

And, implicit with our petition,

We also pledge our cooperation.

As we pray:

Draw everyone to know You and to reverence Your name.

Transform our world into Your kingdom.

Lead everyone to do Your will.

Give everyone their basic daily needs.

Forgive us, and give us a world where everyone forgives.

Give us the strength we need to avoid temptation.

And be our protection against all evil.

This is what we ask.
This is what we pledge.

As we seek first the Kingdom of God.

Tuesday, First Week of Lent

Mt 6:7-15   Read this Scripture @usccb.org