Musings on the "Our Father"

I received this in an email newsletter I subscribe to...I felt you may enjoy reading it as well!

Our Father: (from St. Gregory Catholic Church, Smithville, TN)

I cannot say Our

If my faith has no room for others, especially the poor and their needs.

I cannot say Father

If I do not remember that no community is more central than family.

I cannot say Who art in Heaven

If my interests are selfish and I forget about Mother Earth.

I cannot say Hallowed be your name

Unless I remember that each person is the clearest reflection of God among us.

I cannot say Your Kingdom come

Unless I am willing to work towards building your reign here and now.

I cannot say Your will be done

If I stand in judgement of others and do not remember that we are all one human family.

I cannot say on Earth as it is in heaven

Unless I trust in the will of God.

I cannot say Give us this day our daily bread

Unless I remember the million who go to bed hungry each day or the thousands who die each day of starvation.

I cannot say Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us

Unless I remember that each person possesses the basic dignity that comes from God.

I cannot say deliver us from evil,

Unless I am prepared to pray for all God's people, the dignity of life, and justice for all.

I cannot say for the Kingdom, the Power and the Glory are Yours, now and forever,

Unless I remember that my baptismal call is working in service for God's plan.

Amen.