Tuesday of the First Week of Lent 2023
Thus says the LORD:
Just as from the heavens
the rain and snow come down
And do not return there
till they have watered the earth,
making it fertile and fruitful…
So shall my word be
that goes forth from my mouth;
It shall not return to me void,
but shall do my will,
achieving the end for which I sent it.
-Isaiah 55:10-11 (excerpts)
One of the important lessons I learned in my theological studies and which has been reinforced again and again in experiences as a catechist and retreat leader is that words matter. This is much more than a simple truism. Being specific and intentional in our speech and writing can have significant consequences and is something to keep in mind when we talk about matters of faith and doctrine, including those things that pertain to God.
We have to be mindful when we find ourselves slipping into comfortable “tropes” or pious platitudes which, when we really think about what we might be saying, don’t necessarily reflect the truth that we are trying to convey. At their worst, our well-worn phrases or watered-down explanations can distort our beliefs or can offer us permission to stay in a comfortable place, rather than moving us deeper into divine mystery. The same holds true for the words we use in prayer.
“Le Pater Noster” by James Tissot (between 1886-1894)
In a sense, the texts of the liturgy on this Tuesday of the First Week of Ordinary Time are also reminding us how much words matter. In this case, we are being invited to recognize the power and the gift of God’s Word and, in a particular way, in the prayer that Jesus taught to his disciples.
“in the “Our Father” we also pray for the simplest gifts, for more everyday gifts, such as “daily bread” — which also means health, home, work, everyday things; and it also means for the Eucharist, necessary for life in Christ; just as we pray for the forgiveness of sins — which is a daily matter; we are always in need of forgiveness — and then for peace in our relationships; and finally, that he help us during temptation and deliver us from evil.”—Pope Francis
The Prophet Isaiah acknowledges the power and efficacy of God’s Word, which will not return to God without bearing fruit. Jesus, offers a “word” to his followers by teaching them a prayer that in itself expresses the trust and confidence we find in the words of Isaiah. As we offer back to “Our Father” the words that we have received from the One who is himself the Word Incarnate, we can have confidence that God hears us and desires to bless us as we continue along our pilgrim way. As Pope Francis has reflected: “The Bible repeats it countless times: God listens to the cry of those who invoke him. Even our reluctant questions, those that remain in the depths of our heart, that we are ashamed to even express: the Father listens to them and wishes to give us the Holy Spirit, who inspires every prayer and transforms everything” (General Audience, December 9, 2020)
The invitation for us today is to be mindful of the words we pray. As with so many other aspects of the Season of Lent, we have the opportunity to lay aside with is unnecessary and to embrace with is simple and true in our prayer. God does not need elaborate devotions or formulaic prayers. Rather, the prayer entrusted to us by Jesus should be the pattern of all of our prayer. This is enough: “When the just cry out, the LORD hears them, /and from all their distress he rescues them” (Psalm 34:16-17).
Look upon your family, Lord,
that, through the chastening effects of bodily discipline,
our minds may be radiant in your presence
with the strength of our yearning for you.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
God, for ever and ever. Amen.
-Collect for Tuesday of the First Week of Lent
