Jesus teaches us Christian prayer, as opposed to the prayer of Pharisees and pagans,
the Our Father, a text of great importance that helps us understand who the Christian is. Rather than a prayer addressed to him, it is
the summary of the whole gospel. The content is the kingdom of God. This is in consonance with the teaching of Jesus: "
Seek first the kingdom of God and his justice, and all these things will be given to you in addition" (Mt 6, 33). Christian originality lies in this new relationship of son/daughter. The adjective “our” expresses the community idea of prayer.
The expression “
you are in heaven” recalls the transcendence of God: he is near and far, like us and different from us, Father and Lord. Knowing that God is Father leads to trust, optimism, a sense of providence. “
Hallowed be your name, your kingdom, your will be done”. The first invocation is passive:
God is the protagonist, not man. Sanctification of the name is the work of God. Prayer is an attitude that makes room for God's action, an availability. One prays for the community to become transparent, allowing us to glimpse the presence of the Father. The victory of the Kingdom iis the definitive victory over, division, disorder and death. The disciple’s prayer implies/assumes responsibility: he participates in the Kingdom as a gift and asks for courage to build it.
The will of God is the plan of salvation that is being realized in history. The life of the world to come must be anticipated here on earth. The earthly city must build an imitation of the city of God.
Our bread is the fruit of the earth and the work of human hands, but it is also a gift from the Father. In the expression there is a sense of community and a sense of sobriety. The last three questions also concern the kingdom of God, but within us. The Kingdom is above all the advent of mercy. So, as disciples of Christ, we ought to know that nothing and nobody can separate us from the love of God. May God help us keep His holy name and the holy name of His Son ever before us, on our lips in praise and adoration.