Gospel for July 24 2022 – Luke 11:1-13
Gospel Reflections for July 24 2022
Teach us to pray…
Jesus teaches His followers the famous “Our Father” prayer, perhaps the very first prayer you learned as a child. It is packed with meaning.
In those days, people lived in great fear of God. They would not say His name out loud or even write His name. Yet Jesus invites you to call God with the most intimate of family names, “Father.” How wonderful is that!
However, Jesus does not want any confusion with your own father, good or bad, so He adds the word “Our.” That means Our Father in Heaven is a loving father to everyone on the planet! Therefore, we are also all brothers and sisters to each other.
The modern English version Our Father ends with, “…and lead us not into temptation.” Many have wondered at those words. Would God actually ever do that? Of course not! It is an unfortunate translation of original ancient Greek words into modern English.
Other languages, such as Spanish, have a much earlier and better understanding that says, “Let us not fall into temptation.” That accurately affirms that our falling into temptation remains our own personal responsibility.
Pope Francis recently permitted local Bishops around the world that still have the later version to adopt the earlier version if they want. Many have done so. There are no plans right now for English language nations to make this change, but it may happen in the future.
The Gospel ends with the famous line “Ask, and you will receive.” Some people think that just means they will get the big lottery jackpot they’ve been praying for. However, Jesus adds, What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Important idea!
Our Lord is only interested in your eternal salvation, and only that. Jesus will not grant you what He believes is not good for your salvation …and that may just be very different from what you think you need.
Perhaps a sudden windfall of a million lottery dollars might actually make your life miserable, and thankfully God already sees that. (See my article “Can your prayer change God’s Mind?”)
We always rely on the wisdom of God to know what is best for us, how to pray, and how to see those around us as our brothers and sisters. He is truly Our Father.
God Bless!
Fr. Dave
Fr Dave,
Strange, but I have never questioned those words, “lead us not into temptation.”. I have always thought that they mean exactly what you have said they mean.
I am disappointed to know, though, that all my prayers to win the lottery have been in vain!
I will work on trusting that God knows what’s best for me, though. 😊
As always, thank you for your insight.
Sherrie Foster
The winning lottery ticket may be in your future after all!
Hi Fr. Dave-nice reflection. I especially like that we are all brothers and sisters to each other and Jesus since He tells us to call God ours. That concept seems to be foreign to so many today given all the division in our world. This was a good reminder that we are all one family and all part of the Body of Christ. Thank you.
Well said!