💖 HOMILY - JUNE 20 💖

First Reading - Ecclesiasticus 48:1-15

Gospel - Matthew 6:7-15

It's often observed that our moments of prayer can become mere routines or ritualistic exercises. Today's readings invite us to transform these moments into genuine opportunities to relate to God.

The first reading depicts the prophet Elijah as one who enjoyed God's special favor. The eulogy praises the prophet for working wonderful signs and miracles through the power of God and for playing the role of mediator between God and the people of Israel. This passage highlights the close relationship between God and Elijah. Through his works, Elijah reinforced the filial relationship between God and the people, a relationship he himself enjoyed with God.

The Gospel passage draws our attention to the most profound and relational prayer taught by Jesus: the 'Our Father.' This prayer is rich in meaning and relational characteristics. It connects us to God, to ourselves, and to our fellow brothers and sisters.

In relation to God, the prayer teaches us to address God as 'our Father,' connecting with Him in a personal, intimate manner. Jesus teaches us to feel God's presence in our prayer, recognizing Him as a loving Father who is ready to listen and answer. At the same time, we are reminded to give praise and honor to His holy name and to seek His will in our lives.

In relation to ourselves, the prayer teaches us to depend on God as His children for our daily needs (our "daily bread"), for strength in our struggles (temptations), and for His mercy (forgiveness of our sins and deliverance from evil).

In relation to our fellow brothers and sisters, the prayer emphasizes the importance of love and forgiveness. The theme of forgiveness is particularly highlighted, stressing that God's forgiveness of our sins is intertwined with our willingness to forgive others.

Dear friends, today's readings invite us to examine our prayer life and our faith. Faith and prayer are deeply interconnected. The Gospel invites us to fuse faith and prayer in a meaningful way. Jesus teaches us that our prayers should be occasions to relate to God as our Father, recognizing Him as a loving and accessible presence in our lives. He also encourages us to approach God with childlike trust and to strengthen our bond with Him.

However, Jesus does not neglect the importance of establishing bonds with our fellow beings. He encourages us to love and forgive others, reflecting the mercy and love of God in our relationships.

The 'Our Father' is a prayer that is relational in nature. It reminds us that our prayers should be personal and individual connections with God, rather than mere verbal or routine recitations. We are called to move beyond mundane prayer practices to develop a deep, relational prayer life. Our prayers should help us realize our identity as God's children and encourage us to relate to Him as our loving Father, while also fostering love and mercy towards others.

May we transform our moments of prayer into true occasions to relate to God, deepening our faith and love in the process.