Father Kleppner - March 11, 2007 Lenten Meditation Third Sunday of Lent When God Enters Our Picture “Close-Up or a Panoramic View?” When people say, “Look at the big picture”, usually, this is good advice. A narrow focus can cut out some of the surroundings that give meaning to what we have placed at the center. Looking only at the forehead of a batter in a baseball game, you might see only some perspiration. Widen the focus and you see clear eyes, looking out intensely, enabling the batter to respond appropriately to whatever may be thrown in his direction. Open to the whole field and you may feel the excitement of a championship game and a close contest. The greater the extent to which we can see life as a whole, the more easily we can find God’s place in it. As we mature and go through life’s variety of experiences, many people come to see God as the One who makes sense out of it all. We do well to have our lens open to all that life brings, the bitter and the good. Seeing the full picture, we can identify what things have lasting worth. For example, we should not limit ourselves to the dilemma of why bad things sometimes happen to good people. We need to see also how dedicated people, inspired and strengthened by their faith, have acted in ways that restore goodness and hope. On the other side of the issue, though, looking only at the big picture can make us miss some of life’s intricate beauties. A garden may be impressive, but how wonderful it is to see one flower, with all of its depth and details! God’s providence can be found in a glimmer of hope that lifts our spirits in a time of discouragement. God’s love can be felt in a tender touch or a gentle word spoken by a friend. God can be found in both large and small. What we need to do is to look carefully, and see where it is that God is at work.     Breaking Down the “Our Father” I cannot say “Our” — if my faith has no room for others and their needs. I cannot say “Father” — if I do not demonstrate this relationship in may daily living. I cannot say “who art in Heaven” — if all my interests and pursuits are in earthly things. I cannot say “hallowed be thy name” — if I who am called by God’s name am not holy. I cannot say “thy kingdom come” — if I am unwilling to surrender my own sovereignty and accept the righteous reign of God. I cannot say “thy will be done” — if I am unwilling to act on what I know to be God’s will at work in my own daily life. I cannot say “On Earth as it is in Heaven” — unless I am truly ready to give myself to God’s service here and now. I cannot say “ give us this day our daily bread” — without expending honest effort for it, or if I ignore the needs of my neighbor. I cannot say “forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” — if I continue to hold a grudge against anyone. I cannot say deliver us from evil” — if I am not prepared to focus on the spiritual realm through prayer. I cannot say “thine is the kingdom” — if I do not listen within and take action with the disciplined response of a loving servant. I cannot say “the power and the glory” — if I am seeking my personal glory first. I cannot say “forever” — if I am overly anxious about the affairs of today. I cannot say “Amen” — if I cannot honestly say; “This is my prayer I will live it fully today and everyday!”

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