I have written your name on the palm of my hand

Ish 55:10-11, Mt. 6:7-15. Today’s first reading symbolises the cycle of life in the rain and snow that falls from the sky and moisten the earth, giving life to all plants and trees. Divine inspiration is like the rain and the new life arising in the plants and trees represents our newly-inspired lives. This vibrant, living image concludes the great second section of the prophecy of Isaiah (40-55), which are full of hopes and ideals, calling us to trust in God: “See, I have written your name on the palm of my hand” (Ish 49:16), because we are precious to Him as His beloved (43:4). This is the time to let the divine word come fully alive in us, “that it may not return empty, but achieve the end for which it was sent.” For the word of God is creative, alive and powerful; when God speaks, things happen. Thus, at creation God spoke and the world was created.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus teaches that prayer is more than just a multiplication of words. Prayer should be the building of a relationship with God as one who is intimately in touch with us. God is not like an absent parent who does not get involved in children’s lives. God is our Father who wants to be a part of our daily living. Thus, Jesus introduces the love of God that offers unconditional forgiveness in the "Lord's Prayer" as we aspire to say: “Forgive us our trespasses.” God is willing to overlook our mistakes and failings particularly when we are willing to forgive the wrongs done by others against us. A sincere desire for spiritual growth breathes through the liturgy of Lent, as it does through the "Lord’s Prayer". In the "Lord’s Prayer", Jesus teaches what is essential for genuine prayer, namely to put God’s will above our personal preferences. The prayer ends a few of the first phrases with the same word, "of You" ("σου - sou") and translated literally as “Holy be the name of You, may come the kingdom of You, may be done the will of You.” In Greek, it is very poetic and shows that all things belong to God. It emphasises on the importance of God and the relationship we should have with God. Thus, we are called to pray that God’s Reign and Will be done just as it is being done in Heaven. Here, we are called into 'a unity – a union of God’s plan and us.

Lord God, we have been looking in the wrong directions for sustenance until we found your word, may we be satisfied and find rest in you as we forgive all who sin against us through Christ our Lord! Amen! Good morning, Peace be with you!!!