Prayer placed a very important role in life of Jesus. They would see Jesus in a quiet place or go to the mountain to pray. Before he picked his apostles, Jesus prayed; Before starting His ministry, Jesus prayed in the desert; Throughout the ministry, Jesus prayed; Before expelling a demoniac, Jesus prayed; Before His suffering, Jesus prayed. Before dying, Jesus prayed. “Father into your hands, I commend my spirit.”
In the Old Testament, the Jews say God is the Creator, he is the Covenant Maker, Holy and Just, Merciful and Compassionate, Mysterious and He is the only one God.
Hence the disciples made the request, “Teach us how to pray.” When Jesus started the words, “Our Father.” He now introduced God as a Father and this means three things when it comes to prayer:
- First, the Unconditional Love of the Father as portrayed by Jesus in the prodigal son story. How many times have we took for granted our earthly father and yet despite the pain, He continued to forgive and do his best as a Father.
- Second, Guidance and Protection. Just as we are strong because of our guidance and protection of our earthly Father. So is God who protects us from the evil one.
- Third, Eternal Provider. The father is the provider of any family. What more God with whom nothing is impossible.
In this Mass, we also remember that Our Father is a personal God. Hence, we bring our prayers to Him and as a Church. Praying unceasingly from the heart.
