Celebration: Ferial
Table of the Word
First Reading: Jonah 4:1–11
Gospel: Luke 11:1–4
Theme: Lord, teach us how to pray.
Reflection
Jonah’s story reaches a dramatic conclusion today. Having preached repentance to Nineveh, he becomes angry when God shows mercy to the repentant city (cf. Jonah 4:1–11). His heart, though prophetic, is narrow unable to comprehend the breadth of divine compassion. God gently teaches Jonah that His mercy is not confined to Israel alone; it extends to all creation.
In the Gospel reading taken from Luke 11:1–4 the disciples ask Jesus to teach them how to pray. In response, He gives them the Lord’s Prayer, a simple yet profound pattern that centers on reverence for God, submission to His will, daily dependence, forgiveness, and deliverance from evil. True prayer aligns our hearts with God’s will, helping us grow in mercy, patience, and love, unlike Jonah who wanted justice without compassion.
God’s Word challenges us today to expand our hearts, to pray not merely with lips but with lives that echo forgiveness and mercy. To hear the Word and keep it is to embody divine compassion, even toward those we may find undeserving.
Therefore, beloved in the Lord let us pray daily with sincerity, asking God to shape our hearts like His, who merciful and slow to anger.
Let us also forgive freely, remembering how much God has forgiven you; and then practice compassion even toward those who may have wronged us; that’s when God’s image truly shines through us.
+ Peace be with you.
© ARCHIVE 08102025
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