‘Return’, that one word, ‘Return’ was highlighted on the cover of our parish bulletin and eblast last week. No, it wasn’t there because someone lost something valuable and wanted it back, and it wasn’t there because Fr. Walsh had just returned from Ireland. It was there in bold, broad letters because RETURN is the theme for our parish’s Lenten journey. As it was beautifully explained, throughout Lent, the Word of God calls us to RETURN – to prayer, repentance, trust, and renewed life in Christ.
Our readings for today are excellent examples of RETURN. Twice in the first reading, we hear the word ‘return’ when Isaiah tells us first, that rain and snow from the heavens do not return there until they have watered the earth and, second, that this is like God’s word which goes forth from God’s mouth. It does not return void, but rather does God’s will, achieving the end for which it was sent. Return, then, of the rain, of the snow, of God’s Word has a noble purpose.
In our gospel, Jesus, ever the teacher, is explaining to the apostles the most meaningful way to pray. Unlike the pagans who babbled long lists of gods hoping one of those gods would listen to them, Jesus, the Word of God Incarnate, gives them, and us, simple, sincere, and heartfelt words to use when praying. These sacred words, known as the Our Father, capture the essence of speaking to God with our heart… words of praise, contrition, and petition. With these words, then, we ‘return’, to a true relationship with God, turn away from sin and place our whole selves again in God’s merciful love.
Perhaps today we can ponder that word ‘RETURN’, what it means for our spiritual lives in general and for our prayer lives in particular. What might I need to return to heartfelt prayer? A regular prayer time? More consistent quiet time with God? A heart to heart conversation with God?
Jesus gave us this simple yet profound Our Father prayer because he wanted us not to ‘babble’, but to pray from our heart. He knew this prayer would return our hearts to what we truly want and need to express our relationship to God: praise, relationship, humility, reliance, and forgiveness.
May we take this theme of “RETURN” seriously this Lent and turn around those areas of our lives that may need the loving ways God.
