The imagery in our first reading (Isaiah 55:10-11) evokes one of the central Lenten themes: Lent is a time to plant the word of God deep within you, to water it, to nurture it and let it fruitful. The word of God never returns to its source void; it achieves the end for which it is sent.
Words! We cannot live without them, but we cannot live with too many of them. With too many words, we tend to babble. With too few words, our meaning may not be understood. Words empower and words destroy; words praise and words condemn; words reward and words punish. Words can express love and they can be the tools of hatred. Words make peace and words can declare war. Words can condemn and words can pronounce forgiveness. And with words we craft our prayer – “from your lips to God’s ears,” as the Jewish saying goes.
When the disciples ask Jesus how best to pray in today’s gospel (Matthew 6:7-15), He admonishes them not to pile up words. The prayer He teaches them is concise, a disciplined use of words. Yet in this economy of words resides a richness and an expansiveness that has captivated, consoled, and nurtured Christians for over two millennia.
When we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we should reflect on each word. We should be mindful of the instruction in the first reading: “It (My word) shall not return to Me void, but shall do My will, achieving the end for which I sent it.”
I cannot improve upon any of the commentaries written about the Lord’s Prayer that would be new or insightful. I have no new interpretation that would adjust the way we approach this seminal prayer of our religious tradition. So, I suggest today we simply read slowly and quietly these very familiar words. Let them wash over us, let them grow deep within us; let them fulfill within us “the end for which they were sent.”
“This is how you are to pray:”
“Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name. Thy Kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” The Anglican Book of Common Prayer (dated 1662) adds a doxology at the end: “For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen. Our Protestant siblings use this version.
Yes. These words of Jesus are so familiar, perhaps even routine; but have you reflected afresh on their meaning for you during THIS Lenten season? If the words of God are not to return to God void, but rather achieve the end for which they were intended, have you asked yourself WHAT IS THAT END, THE INTENT, FOR WHICH JESUS SENT THESE WORDS TO ME? The words sent to you – on this day, at this time, where you are, in whatever circumstance you experience – have a purpose! Pray to discern that purpose. Lent is a time to plant God’s word deep within you. What do you plant and water and nurture this Lenten season?
May God Bless You and Grant You His Peace!