"The expression ‘God the Father' had never been revealed to anyone" before Jesus taught us to pray "Our Father" (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2779). When Jesus taught His disciples to pray the Our Father, He used a word for Father, "Abba," that can be translated as "Daddy." Addressing God as Father only occurs a very few times in the Old Testament (e.g. Is 64:7). So those who originally heard Jesus teach them the Our Father must have been shocked. Even today, many wounded people admit that they cannot relate to God as gentle and loving because they did not receive tender, merciful love from their own earthly fathers. Accordingly, they perceive God as distant and uncaring.
Nonetheless, Jesus reveals God as "Our Father." He wants to bring people to a proper relationship with the Father. Jesus reveals to us: "Your Father knows what you need before you ask Him" (Mt 6:8). Jesus teaches us to call God "Our Father" (Mt 6:9), Who is such a loving Father and Provider. "God loves His people more than a bridegroom his beloved" (Catechism, 219).
Can you believe that your Father in heaven loves you so much that He would send His only begotten Son to die for your salvation? (Jn 3:16-17) Surrender your life to God the Father. Love Him with all your heart, soul, strength, and mind (Lk 10:27).
| PRAYER: | Holy Spirit, cry out in my heart "Abba, Father" (see Gal 4:6; Rm 8:15). |
| PROMISE: | "If you forgive the faults of others, your heavenly Father will forgive you yours. If you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive you." –Mt 6:14-15 |
| PRAISE: | Stan kept witnessing to Holly, a hardhearted teen, although she showed no sign of a change of heart. Holly is now in full-time ministry for Jesus. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College