Do not be like them

Greetings on this the Thursday of the Eleventh Week in Ordinary Time
Readings: Sir 48:1-14; PS 97:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7; Mt 6:7-15
Notes:

Do not be like them.
Who think that they will be heard because of their many words.

There are two problems with the ‘many words strategy’

1. The divine motivation to hear us is based in love not in our performance.
2. Our performance is not actually ourselves but a projection of the mask we wear.

In the Novena we take this a step further with Gospel of Luke, The Answer to Prayer:

“Ask, Seek, Knock”

• Ask knowing the divine motivation of love.
• Seek knowing the divine motivation is to give from his very self.
• Knock knowing the divine motivation is to make a pathway for you to him in truth.

First reading
This first reading is a summary analysis of the lives of Elijah and Elisha.
Their lives were defined by trust in the Lord and what outcomes there were!!

Responsorial Psalm
Rejoice in the Lord, you just!

Alleluia Verse
You have received a spirit of adoption as sons
through which we cry: Abba! Father!

Gospel Portion
Do not be like them.
Who think that they will be heard because of their many words.

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.’

If you forgive others their transgressions,
your heavenly Father will forgive you.
But if you do not forgive others,
neither will your Father forgive your transgressions.

Peace be with you,
Deacon Gerry