Our Father

One

Our Father 

When my son Xavier was very little, I tried to teach him the Our Father. I would say to him, “Okay Xavier, let’s pray the Our Father.” And he would get a big smile and full of confidence he would say, “Our Father, Our Father, Our Father.” certain that he had mastered the prayer.

Though he was a long way from learning the whole prayer, I realized he had mastered the most important part. God is our Father, and if we would really let that reality sink in it would completely transform our lives. But we have not let it sink in and we really live like orphans. 

There are between 100 and 400 billion stellar systems in our galaxy alone and possibly 100 billion galaxies in the universe. Those are just the ones we can see. God Our Father created that colossal universe and holds it in His hands, yet we have such a hard time trusting Him. 

How could we need more proof that God could take care of us than just by looking at the stars in heaven. I guess we don’t look at the stars in heaven enough. But if we did, we would begin to realize that if God can handle that universe, He can certainly handle our lives. 

Two

Parrhesia

The Catechism (2778) teaches us there is one word that captures the attitude we should have toward God Our Father. That word is parrhesia which means a straightforward simplicity with God, confidently trusting in His Providential care with a joyous assurance, humble boldness and the certainty of being loved.

That is the attitude we should intentionally cultivate and practice every day.

Three

God revealed to St. Faustina that He desired from all souls this straightforward simplicity and bold trust. 

Jesus said to her, “The graces of My mercy are drawn by means of one vessel only, and this is – trust. The more a soul trusts, the more it will receive. Souls that trust boundlessly are a great comfort to Me because I pour all the treasures of My graces into them. I rejoice that they ask for much, because it is My desire to give much, very much. On the other hand, I am sad when souls ask for little, when they narrow their hearts.” (Diary of Faustina 1578)

When my kids were little, they asked for everything. Now that they are grown, they don’t need me, so they don’t ask me for much and it makes me sad. 

So, if you want to please God your Father, go to Him for everything. 

Four

Jesus taught us humble boldness when we speak to God our Father, “Ask and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened. What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” 

But remember, He hears and answers every prayer in the way that is best. 

Five

The Catechism goes on to teach us that praying to Our Father should develop with in us two fundamental attitudes.

First, the desire to become like Our Father. St. Cyprian writes, “We must remember and know that when we call God ‘our Father’ we ought to behave as sons of God.” 

Resolution: Today I will remind myself often that I am a son or daughter of God and then act like it!