The Prayer Jesus Taught

 In Luke's Gospel, we witness the disciples making a simple yet profound request: "Lord, teach us to pray." How human, how relatable! Even those who walked closest to Jesus needed guidance in approaching the Father.

Jesus responds by giving us the Lord's Prayer—not as a magic formula, but as a pattern for a relationship. Notice the intimacy: "Father." Not a distant deity, but Abba, the One who knows us completely and loves us still.

The prayer Jesus teaches is beautifully balanced. It begins with God—His name, His kingdom, His will—reminding us that prayer isn't about bending God to our agenda, but aligning our hearts with His. Yet immediately, Jesus turns to our daily needs: bread, forgiveness, and protection. Nothing in our lives is too small or too mundane to bring before our Father.

The emphasis on forgiveness is striking. We ask to be forgiven "as we forgive"—a sobering reminder that receiving mercy and extending mercy are inseparable in the Christian life.

Perhaps most comforting is what this passage reveals: that we can bring our spiritual poverty to Jesus. "Teach us," the disciples say, admitting they don't have it all figured out. And Jesus doesn't scold them—He gives them exactly what they need.

When we feel unsure about how to pray, we can always return to this prayer, knowing these are the very words Jesus gave us —the perfect path into communion with our Father.

The Great Commandment: Love as the Path to Life

Today's Gospel, God asks us the same question He asked the lawyer: "What is written?" Deep down, we know. We know when we've loved poorly, when we've held back, when we've made God an afterthought and our neighbor invisible.

The pathway to life isn't complicated—but it costs everything. Will we love God with our whole heart, soul, strength, and mind? Will we love our neighbor as ourselves?

"Do this and you will live." Not someday. Not in the next life alone. Now. Today. Love is not merely the path to eternal life—it is life itself.

Join me today, and let's support one another as we go through our day, so that all of our actions will show that we love God with our whole heart. If we DO this, others may follow us and do the same. 

God Bless and Please Pray for Each Other.

A Special Prayer Request - Come Holy Spirit

I'm honored to share that starting today, October 2nd, through Sunday, October 5th, I will be serving on the Orlando Diocese Cursillo Men's 111 team as a table leader.

This three-day weekend presents a profound opportunity for men to deepen their relationship with Our Lord, Jesus Christ, and to experience His love and grace in a transformative way.

I ask for your prayers during these next three days:

Please pray for:

• The entire Cursillo team as we serve and guide
• The men attending who are opening their hearts to encounter Christ more deeply
• The Holy Spirit to work powerfully in each person's life
• Grace, wisdom, and compassion for all involved

The Cursillo movement has touched countless lives, helping men and women grow closer to God and become active disciples in their communities. It's a blessing to be part of this beautiful ministry.

Over the next few days, please lift us all up in prayer.

De Colores!

"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." - Matthew 18:20

Welcome to Saintly Journeys

Faith is a journey—one that is filled with moments of grace, reflection, and growth. Saintly Journeys is a place where we explore the depth and beauty of the Catholic faith, sharing inspiring reflections, timeless wisdom, and stories of faith-filled lives.

Through the teachings of the Church, the lives of the saints, and our own spiritual experiences, we seek to walk a path of holiness, understanding, and purpose. Whether you are deeply rooted in your faith or just beginning to explore, you are welcome here.

Join us as we reflect, learn, and grow together in the light of Christ.