Prayer and Others

Fr. Lawrence Jagdfeld, O.F.M., Administrator

The Gospel saying which is usually called "The Golden Rule" seems to be tacked on as an afterthought in today's Gospel passage. It almost startles the reader. Its placement after the various metaphors that Jesus uses for prayer tends to jolt our ears a bit. What has the Golden Rule to with prayer?

I don't pretend to have a positive response to the question. However, I do know from personal experience that sometimes my prayer is self-centered, concentrating on my needs, my wants, my desires. Could it be that Jesus is counseling us to be earnest in our prayer, but also careful at the same time? Might we sometimes ask for ourselves that which may be detrimental to others?

One of the components of Lent is an effort to intensify our prayer life. Both readings for today's liturgy accent the need for, the place of prayer in our life as members of Christ's body. It follows, then, that we must be aware of that which is beneficial for not just me but also for the body. Notice that Esther's prayer in the first reading asks for strength in the face of an enemy, but the strength for which she asks is also for her people. She will go on to save her people from their enemies.

Intercessory prayer is certainly an integral part of our life with God. We pray for all sorts of intentions, oftentimes referring to "my special intention." The readings today ask us to check whether "my" is also beneficial for "our" needs.