From Kingdom to no trial

Sometimes the words of the psalmist are the means whereby people focus on the essential experience of God in our life as the source of great deeds wonderful works, grace and mercy. The Roman Catholic Lectionary today offers texts which open our mind to the some different interpretations of the nature of God and prayer which are part of the experience of the Apostles. Friar Jude Winkler discusses the section of the second letter to the Corinthians which is part of Paul’s angry letter to these people he loved. (perhaps actually a 3^rd letter). The Apostle to the Gentile is likely trying to address the teaching of Gnostic “super-apostles” who have tried to persuade the Corinthians that the Jesus humanity is too close to the evil flesh of humanity to be considered Divine. Friar Jude provides evidence that this community in Corinth, like modern communities, is swept up by “new” philosophies which change their direction like the wind. The Gospel from Matthew offers the most familiar version of the Lord’s Prayer. Friar Jude notes that the version in Luke 11:1-13 is more in accord with Jesus likely description of prayer which is different from the prescribed verses of pagan worship that are more like a magic formula. We often seek that “magic” for situations when we realize that God is the only direction for our needs to be addressed. Luke proposes that we frame our conversation with the themes of kingdom, bread, forgiveness and no time of trial. Our need in the moment may be better presented, when words are inadequate, like the psalmist with praise and trust backed up by the familiar wording of Matthew. The grace and compassion of God understands the heart of humans which is often divided and deluded.