17th Sunday, Year C

The Gospel reading for the 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time, Year C begins with the apostles asking Jesus to teach them to pray. Jesus gives them the model prayer: the Our Father (also known as the Lord’s Prayer). Among the gospel writers, Luke places more emphasis on prayer – it appears in stories, parables, and Luke often pictures Jesus withdrawing from the crowds to pray. We often think of this as a premier private prayer, but is it? Does it say “My Father…” or “give me this day….’  Like the account of Martha and Mary (last week) this more than a simple presentation of a prayer.

Take a moment and consider this account that is far more than “simple.”  Do it from the comfort of your back porch.

Full Text of the Sunday Readings
Detailed Commentary

The Lord’s Prayer (Le Pater Noster) | James Tissot, ca. 1890 | Brooklyn Museum | PD-US