Dear Parishioners,

We continue to read through the Gospel of Luke, following Jesus and the way He reveals God’s love for us. Today, the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. They are Jewish men who knew how to pray. What they recognize is that Jesus’ way of prayer is different. He prays in a personal manner with His Father. It is more than duty; it is a conversation with the one He loves and is loved by.

He invites the disciples and us to have this same relationship with the Father. He teaches us to call God dad in a very personal way—not distant and far away, but intimate and loving.

The Our Father prayer is one of personal connection, surrender and trust in a God who creates, loves and desires our happiness. I encourage you this week to slowly pray the Our Father. Reflect on the words and how they speak to you in your life. Prayer is always meant to connect us to the deep love and guidance of God, who is all caring and loving.

Ultimately, prayer is being one with God, and our community prayer brings us together in Him. The gift of community is that we realize we are not alone but made for relationship with God and one another.

The familiar Our Father prayer leads us into God’s deep love—we surrender and trust as disciples on a journey.

I return from my family visit in Michigan on Tuesday. It’s been an excellent time to enjoy family, relax and refresh. I’m grateful for this opportunity and look forward to returning this week to pray and grow in God’s love for us all at Saint Bernard of Clairvaux.

Peace and hope in His love,

Fr. Fred

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