January 3 Petition Mission

“Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us” (Lk 11:3-4).

Hmmm…Give us and forgive us. Here are two daily requirements, neither to be taken for granted. One is the recognition that, no matter how well-educated or well-employed we are, not a moment goes by in which we are not dependent on God for everything. Every moment and every breath, the ability to think and to work, whatever necessities and luxuries we enjoy: it all comes from above. For much of the world, the request for daily bread is no mere theory—a steady food supply cannot be taken for granted. But in the Blest West, though we might not be as mindful of food supply, we, who are often high tech but low touch, might well need a daily reminder about forgiving and being forgiven.

Bread restores the body, but forgiveness restores the soul. And, just as we should show hospitality with the food the Lord gives us, so we should show liberality—till 70 x 7—with the forgiveness we share as well.