“Daddy, please drive safely.”

My Dearest Brothers in Sisters in Christ: Yesterday while cleaning out my car, I found a holy medal given to me by my kids with the saying, “Daddy, please drive safely.” Such a simple message, such a simple prayer. It reminded me that I have people who care about me and who love me. Today’s Gospel is also about prayer. In Matthew 6:7-15, we are taught the Lord’s Prayer. Such a simple prayer, yet such a powerful prayer. In this passage Jesus teaches us to pray. This gospel reading starts, “In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Jesus is telling us it is not the length of our prayers but the meaning of our prayers that is important. God knows your prayers before you ask them. You are not graded in your prayers. Your prayers can be simple. Your prayers can be just a few words – “Hi God, it’s me.” It is important to pray, because prayer is our union, or communion with God. Prayer is us answer God’s call. God is like the your favorite radio station, it’s always on, even if your radio isn’t turned on. Not only is God’s word persistent, it is also loving and nurturing. His message can help us grow in faith. The Word of God is so loving that the Word became flesh and lived among us. Jesus lived on earth as the Word. Jesus fulfilled his obligation to his father by giving his life for us on the cross so that our sins could be forgiven. God’s plan is completed through the gift of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit rains down on us bringing God’s Love into our soul. All we have to do is accept the Word of God. Our soul is opened to the Holy Spirit during prayer. During Lent, we have the opportunity to receive God’s Word, God’s Love through daily prayer. Take time each day to pray. Tonight, say an Our Father for your Brothers and Sisters, say an Our Father for your Family, say an Our Father for the poor and hungry, and lastly, say an Our Father for the Church. A Simple Prayer “Thank You, Lord, for your word! Thank you that you have never stopped pursuing me with your love. Come and have your way with me in even the smallest things, so that the world can be transformed through me.” Don’t forget to join us for Mass Wednesday Nite. Yours in Christ Michael Marcon