Rejoice in the Lord, you just! — Psalm 97:12
Mass Readings: Sirach 48:1-14 / Matthew 6:7-15
One night, after tucking my visiting 5-year-old granddaughter into bed, I smiled while listening to her prayers. She rattled off a few words of thanksgiving, pleaded on behalf of poor boys and girls throughout the world , and asked for family blessings, all of which lasted about 30 seconds. I stifled a chuckle as she added a quick request: “God, I’m being good, so is now the time to ask You for that doll?” Her litany was short, direct and simple, but also sincere. I marvelled at her wisdom in avoiding long-winded, boring prayers.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus cautions against those who “babble” endlessly, trying to impress others. The prayer He taught us, the Our Father, is simple, powerful, and pleasing to God.
Prayer: Our Father in heaven, may my prayers to You be simple and sincere.