As we enter the season of lent, which is a season of preparation of heart, body, mind and spirit to reflect on the passion and the resurrection of our Lord, today’s Gospel proclamation takes us to the very heart of prayer – The Lord’s prayer.

We know this is the very prayer the Lord as Teacher and Master taught His desciples when they asked Him how to pray. It is “the very prayer”

our Lord is offering Himself to us to reflect and ponder as we communicate with Him through this prayer every time we recite it. Every aspect required is covered and fulfilled in this prayer. We are reminded of a loving eternal Father, whose dominion never changes. He is reaching out to His children, whenever they call on Him in surrender.
At the same time the prayer which I feel is a spiritual gift from the Lord, leads us to praise our Heavenly Creator, identify Him as Father, thank Him for His promises, for what the Lord has done for us in the past, for what He is doing right now and for what He is fulfilling in the future, to repent, to surrender, to be connected to the Father and to intercede together with the Son and the Holy Spirit on behalf of our brothers and sisters.

Our heart is the battleground between the flesh and the spirit. Are we content pondering on the current situation or are we ready transfer that conflict over to the Lord for His will and purpose is a choice we have to make on a daily basis. The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak, therefore, use the gift of prayer tools which will enable one to yield to the Lord and enter His presence. To draw His power down as quoted in the first reading today from the book of Prophet Isaiah, for just as when snow and rain comes down from heaven it fulfills the purpose it has been sent for so will the “Word” which comes out from the mouth of God will not return back empty until it accomplishes the purpose it has been sent for.Today we celebrate the feast of St. Polycarp who was a bishop and a matyr of Smyrna ( ancient Greek city). He was bound and burnt on a stake, then stabbed with a spear when the fire failed to consume his body. The reason for his martyrdom was refusing to burn incense to the Roman emperor. His final words were “ how then can I blaspheme my King and Savior?”

Prayer: Abba Father, give us a heart to praise you, honour you, glorify you in everything we do. Amen.