On Earth as it is in Heaven – Reflection on Matthew 6:7-15
Decades ago, when I was a young man, a Priest enlightened me by discussing “on earth as it is in heaven.” I had suggested that there was no hard line between heaven and earth, and to my surprise, he agreed. He said that the Father, through Christ, had made heaven already “partially understandable” but not fully revealed. I had heard something like that other times before, but something clicked inside me, and I finally realized what it meant. We can begin to perceive the edges of heaven’s possibilities once this possibility exists in our hearts. As examples, we do so when we sense God’s presence, consume Christ in various ways, engage in the awe and wonder of the cosmos, immerse in deep prayer, and hear the words I love you and love back.
The Lord’s Prayer, by James Tissot.
The full-resolution painting and more details are available on the Brooklyn Museum website.
Additional Ordinary Time Reflections
Matthew 6:7-15 – Scripture*
7 “When you are praying, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of their many words. 8 Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.
9 “Pray then in this way: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And do not bring us to the time of trial, but rescue us from the evil one. 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; 15 but if you do not forgive others, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Additional Thoughts
Thank you for meditating on this Gospel and reading this Lectio Divina on Matthew 6:7-15 Reflection – On Earth as it is in Heaven.
Would you like to contribute related thoughts to these Lectio reflections on the Gospel readings? Since Lectio is not the only contemplative prayer style, others might appreciate these types of expressions in this ministry. Do you see God’s grandeur everywhere and unconditionally enjoy sharing the love of Christ that you have inside? Are you willing to be anonymous in what you would share? If so, email me.
Prayer for young families:
Lord, let the young families of our communities get to know your joy, peace, comfort, and love despite worldly distractions.
Attributions
*This site has permission to use the New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE) Bible Matthew 6 passage.
The Immersive Prayer website follows the guidelines for image web use at the Brooklyn Museum and the Jewish Museum websites.
Page and discussion group on these Lectio Divina daily Gospel Readings.
Discussion group on St. John of the Cross.