Will be done

The texts today from the Roman Catholic Lectionary invite us to be aware of the will of God in our daily experience. The Prophet Isaiah is clear that the Word of God is the means whereby the Will of God becomes action. Friar Jude Winkleroffers some background on the deep power which the people of Jewish tradition associate with the Word. The Word or Act or Deed of God makes present in some way a transformation of reality. This re-creating act is the reality we experience. It happens. The Gospel from Matthew is the instruction from Jesus, during the Sermon on the Mount, about how we should pray. Scholars have commented on the simplicity of these phrases, which Friar Jude contrasts with the recitation of many words in formula mode by the pagan religions of Jesus time. What are we to hear from God in this prayer? What action of transformation is the Word making real in us? Friar Jude finds intimacy, praise, surrender, providence, forgiveness and deliverance in this prayer. Some scholars have found the exegesis of this text leads them to wonder about specific references to Christianity or Judaism which seem to be missing. The flow of the prayer from what we have and experience to what we need to survive is a powerful daily reminder of our place and the mission to which we are invited as co creator and active witness to the power of the Word. Praise God.