The Our Father
Some reflections about the Our Father. I remember as a child my mother teaching me the words to the Our Father when I was about six years old. Each night we say the Our Father together. She would work with me to remember the words. I would see how far I could say the prayer without her help. And the day I got to the Amen with no help I felt a sense of accomplishment. I do not think I have ever missed a night without saying the Our Father.
I taught my children the Our Father. I remember thinking that they caught on very quickly. Still, they would hear people saying the prayer at mass. There is something special about the words that ring true in our hearts. They just make sense. They are a comfort and a sense of trust and belief.
Now I spend more time with people as they are nearing death. As I say the Our Father with the family the person who is ill or near death will struggle to say the words. I remember one occasion of giving the Anointing of the Sick and as I started the Our Father the person receiving the sacrament also said ‘Our Father’ but then stopped. That was all the strength they had. Just two words. But it meant eternal life to them. I remember saying you said enough now focus on Jesus. He will come to take you home.
The Our Father, how has it changed your life? I believe we will never know the power of the prayer.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen