Catechism Quote

Catechism-#2601

"he was praying in a certain place and when he had ceased, one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray." In seeing the Master at prayer the disciples of Christ also wants to pray. By contemplating and hearing the Son, the master of prayer, the children learn to pray to the Father.


This excerpt from the Catechism highlights the Gospel of Luke in which Our Lord responds to the apostles' request by teaching them the Our Father. This profound prayer is often taken for granted because we say it so often.

St. Teresa of Jesus, when forming her nuns, also stressed the greatness of this prayer. She mentions that often she could not get past the "Our Father, " that she could contemplate on this mystery for ever. In the Way of Perfection (Chapter 27) she engages in a holy colloquy when speaking of "Our Father."


"Our Father, which art in the Heavens." O my Lord, how Thou dost reveal Thyself as the Father of such a Son, while Thy Son reveals Himself as the Son of such a Father! Blessed be Thou for ever and ever...O Son of God and my Lord! How is it that thou canst give us so much with Thy first word?"


St. Teresa tells her nuns that this vocal prayer and meditating on just the "Our Father" can lead to sublime contemplation if the soul would enter into itself by realizing who it is addressing and the great wonder that we can call the Lord of heaven and earth Our Father.

This is very helpful teaching for those struggling with mental prayer. One can use a word or two such as "Our Father" to constantly bring us back to our focus of prayer. Even if one does not have the gift of contemplation, the Our Father can be said with love from the heart and become a perfect prayer of praise.

It is said that when one saw Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity in prayer it inspired them to pray as well. Did you ever see anyone praying that you wanted to imitate? That you were attracted to in a holy way? The apostles did. They saw Our Lord at prayer. They saw his deep union with the Father and wanted this gift for themselves. Our Lord recognized those who loved the Father. He said of Mary, (Martha & Mary)"She has chosen the better part and it shall not be denied her."


Who better contemplated the Father than the Virgin Mary. Our Lady of Mt. Carmel is our model of prayer that we are striving to imitate. She who pondered the Word in her heart, who treasured the Word in her heart...may she intercede for us.


Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, obtain for us the gift of prayer!


Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS