The gospel for Thursday of the eleventh week in ordinary time is taken from Matthew 6:7 through the fifteenth verse. Jesus said to his disciples in praying, do not babble like the pagans who think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them. Your Father knows what you need. Before you ask him, this is how you are to pray. Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name.

Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. If you forgive others their transgressions, your Heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your transgressions. You this prayer is a summary of the kingdom of God that Jesus came to establish here on this earth.

It’s a kingdom where God is in charge. It’s a kingdom where we are fed and nourished, cared for, and is a kingdom that gives us power over sin. And what’s so clear that is being said by especially the last part of this passage is the most important truth in the kingdom is you have to allow God to forgive you. If you don’t allow God to forgive you, it is impossible for you to forgive others their sins. Please ponder this reflection and I will close with a prayer. Sam Father, free us from constantly thinking about how we can earn your attention, your love, your affection.

Give us the wisdom to know the value of your unmerited love pouring into us every single day, every hour of every day we stand forgiven. And when we have that gift, we can establish the kingdom of God. And we ask this in Jesus name, Amen.