Explore the profound meaning behind referring to God as 'Our Father' and what it signifies for our identity as His people. Fr. Mike highlights the communal aspect of prayer, enhancing our understanding of divine love and belonging. The discussion encourages listeners to reflect on their personal connections with God and how it shapes their relationships with others. Dive into the transformative nature of recognizing God’s boundless love and the unity of the divine family.
Addressing God as 'Our Father' signifies a transformative relationship that fosters community and shared identity among believers.
Praying the 'Our Father' encourages believers to embrace inclusivity and intercede for others, reinforcing God's boundless love for all.
Deep dives
A New Relationship with God
The phrase 'Our Father' signifies a transformative relationship with God rather than mere possession. When addressing God as 'Our Father,' believers recognize that they are part of a community, highlighting the joyous fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ. This new relationship embodies a mutual belonging; believers belong to God, and He belongs to them. This perspective fosters a sense of unity among Christians, emphasizing that they share a collective identity as God's people.
The Unity of the Trinity
When believers pray to the Father, they engage with the entire Trinity, acknowledging the Father as the source of the Son and the Holy Spirit. This practice does not create confusion among the persons of the Trinity; rather, it underscores their coexisting nature in one divine communion. Praying to the Father involves venerating and glorifying Him alongside the Son and the Holy Spirit, fostering a deeper understanding of the relational dynamics among the three. This highlights that communicating with one person of the Trinity entails acknowledging the interconnectedness of all three.
Overcoming Individualism in Prayer
Praying the 'Our Father' prompts believers to move away from individualism towards a more inclusive love. This prayer signifies that believers should not just focus on their personal relationship with God but also incorporate intentions for others, recognizing the boundless love of God. The act of praying sincerely calls for the overcoming of divisions among Christians, urging them to intercede for everyone in the spirit of unity. Ultimately, this perspective reinforces the call to embrace a universal love that extends God's care to all humanity and creation.
God’s love has no bounds, and neither should our prayer. Fr. Mike emphasizes that when we say “our” we are highlighting that we have become God’s people. We belong to God, not in a possessive way, but in an “entirely new relationship”. Today’s readings are Catechism paragraphs 2786-2793.
This episode has been found to be in conformity with the Catechism by the Institute on the Catechism, under the Subcommittee on the Catechism, USCCB.
For the complete reading plan, visit ascensionpress.com/ciy
Please note: The Catechism of the Catholic Church contains adult themes that may not be suitable for children - parental discretion is advised.
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