Ping!
I read this today in “The Catholic Passion” by David Scott:
The Our Father
Our: shows our unity; we are never alone, we pledge to be one, united Church
Father: a father like the prodigal son’s father of love and forgiveness; He knows us well and we need not fear to approach Him.
Who Art In Heaven: our goal is salvation and union with Him there
Hallowed Be Thy Name: the first and greatest commandment
Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will Be Done on Earth as it Is in Heaven: the missionary goal of the Church: evangelize the world. It is our free will to participate in His will; acceptance
Give Us This Day Our Daily Bread: a child-like and simple request for what we need: the Eucharist and union with Christ. Daily is from the Greek word “epiousios” which occurs nowhere else in the New Testament or ANY other writings of that period! It literally means “super-essential”. It is no coincidence we say this prayer right before Communion.
Forgive Us Our Trespasses as We Forgive: we are grateful for salvation and we all forgive each other; highlights the community and unity of our Church
And Lead Us Not Into Temptation: recognizes our human frailty and weakness
But Deliver Us from Evil: we know we are caught in a struggle- the ultimate struggle- with the devil.
Amen: Because “evil” never gets the last word! Not in this world, not in our prayer. Saying “amen” is saying “it is true” and is a last act of faith.