(linked to the 4th Section of the Post-Lourdes Study Topic) for February Prayers.
The really interesting thing here is that, whereas in last month’s passage from John’s gospel, Christ is appealing to his Father to protect us and keep us so close that each of us is one with the Father, Christ is now teaching us how to speak to his Father. This is much deeper than just saying appropriate words, which could merely be an intellectual exercise. This must involve feelings, needs, and desires! Christ has elevated us to this mystical level of relationship with the Almighty God and now wants to help us to communicate with him. The concept “Father” is one which was introduced to help us humans, with our limited intellects to speak of, and to speak to the first person of the Trinity. God is a supernatural being without the limitations and vulnerabilities of the human, but it seems to be Christ’s intent that we should, through ‘adoption’ by him, attain that closeness with the divinity of the Godhead. The ideal, close relationship, which can, and should exist between a father and his children, is a mere suggestion of what Christ is offering us. God’s love has no limits and it is as though God is standing permanently with open arms to receive and protect us. Our response has to be a full and unlimited commitment, like the child who, in complete trust and dependence throws himself into his father’s arms.
Look at your own behaviour when you pray. What attitudes are working in you when you speak with the Lord? Christ points out how the hypocrites want to be seen when they pray. In other words they are thinking of the image they are creating rather than the One to whom they are praying. They are seeking attention for themselves, rather than praising the God who is supposed to be the focus of their prayer. He says we should not ‘babble’ when we pray. Have you noticed how some people seem to take pride in rushing the prayers of the mass? Some priests also can take part in leading this ‘race’ through the Eucharist as they interact with the congregation. Where are their thoughts and feelings? This is not a case of judging others, but of highlighting the need to be aware of what we are doing, who we are doing it for, and getting our real feelings, needs, and desires into line with the object of our prayer. It is also necessary here, I believe, to mention that our prayer is not always going to be perfect. I am a limited and vulnerable human being; due to all sorts of
circumstances I am going to wander off the track at some time or other, but I should not be ready to drown myself in guilt. God does not always expect me to be perfect. What he does expect is that I will want to follow in the way that Christ has shown me; that is the attitude that I want to cultivate. I know that what Christ has taught me is the right thing; in all humility I want to carry it through, despite my weaknesses.
Father John Maclean