Word to the Wise
Thursday, June 21, 2012 - Thursday in the 11th Week in Ordinary Time
[Sir 48:1-14 and Matt 6:7-15]In praying, do not babble like the pagans, who think that they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them.
Pagan religious devotion existed side by side with Judaism in the Mediterranean area. The disciples of Jesus, especially those from Galilee, would have been familiar with them. Jesus' comment about the quality of pagan devotions was no doubt referring to common experience. He challenges the disciples to avoid any resemblance to pagan devotion, especially in quantity! He offers something very simple for their devotion: the Lord's Prayer!
It is dangerous for any pastor to "mess with" a popular devotion, no matter how long or wordy it may be! Nevertheless, there are times when devotion is piled upon devotion and any truly theological or pastoral or liturgical significance is lost in the sheer quantity. The instinct that some folks have that "more is better" is not necessarily true when it comes to prayer! In the case of traditional Catholic prayers such as the "Our Father," "Hail Mary," or "Glory be.." which form the basis of the Rosary, truly the most popular Catholic devotion, much could be gained from slowing down and realizing what is being "lost" in the sheer repitition. Consdier the line, "Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us!" We are asking God to forgive us TO THE EXTENT THAT WE FORGIVE OTHERS! Hmmmm.... That should make all of us pause!
It seems clear to me that the Lord is telling us all to aim for quality over quantity in prayer! Are we up to the challenge? AMEN
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