Our Lord’s Prayer During Lent – Mar 11 – Homily – Fr Joseph M.

 

Fr Joseph M. gives the homily at Bloomington, IN, on Mar 11, 2025, on how Jesus gave us the perfect prayer in the Our Father, which teaches us to forgive others unconditionally, just as Christ forgave those who crucified him.

He explains that the Our Father is the perfect prayer because Jesus himself gave it to us. Unlike prayers written by humans, this prayer comes directly from the Son of God. When we say it with devotion, it can even remove our venial sins, as Saint Augustine taught. He then focuses especially on forgiveness, explaining that during Lent we seek God's forgiveness for our sins, but we must also forgive others completely, even if they don't apologize to us. Just as Jesus forgave those who crucified him without them asking for forgiveness, we, too, must forgive others to become more like Christ. This forgiveness helps purify our hearts and prepares us for Easter.

For Further Reading:
Luke 23: 34 - NAB - Jesus forgives those who crucify Him - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/luke/23?34
Romans 8: 29 - NAB - Being conformed to the image of Christ - https://bible.usccb.org/bible/romans/8?29
Catechism of the Catholic Church #2838 - Our Father prayer and forgiveness - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/p4s2a3.htm#2838
Catechism of the Catholic Church #1446 - Sacrament of Reconciliation - http://www.scborromeo.org/ccc/para/1446.htm
Catholic Answers - The Lord's Prayer - https://www.catholic.com/tract/the-lords-prayer

Ave Maria!

Mass: Tuesday 1st Week of Lent - Wkdy
Readings:  - http://usccb.org/bible/readings/031125.cfm
1st: isa 55:10-11
Resp: psa 34:4-7, 16-19
Gsp: mat 6:7-15

More on the Readings: https://airmaria.com/r?m=1654

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