My dear Parishioners,
Peace! There are nineteen (19) In Brief articles in the Catechism of the Catholic Church, which treat the Lord’s Prayer or “Our Father.” The following reflection considers CCC, 2861.
When considering the fourth petition or request or demand of the Lord’s Prayer “Give us this day our daily bread” it is helpful for us to consider three aspects of this petition.
In the Lord’s Prayer, when we pray “give us” we include others, not asking only for ourselves. There is a communal aspect of the Lord’s Prayer, not only in the beginning when we say “Our Father” but also here when we ask for our (plural) daily bread. If we were only to pray to “my Father” and ask only for “my daily bread” we would be praying alone. But when we pray to “our Father” and ask for “our daily bread” we ask not only for ourselves but for all. Here the Lord’s Prayer manifests the Communion of Saints.
In the Lord’s Prayer when we ask for “daily bread” we are requesting not only daily sustenance of a natural sort, like breakfast, lunch and dinner; but also the supernatural extraordinary sort which is the Eucharist. Natural bread is a staple of life. We can not live for long without ordinary food. The bread which is consecrated becoming Christ whole and entire in the Eucharist is the staple of our life in Christ (cf. John 6:35). Without the grace which Christ gives us in Holy Communion faith, hope and charity in us would wither. While we are bound to receive, as a minimum, Holy Communion as part of our “Easter Duty” Holy Mother Church strongly encourages us to receive Holy Communion frequently, not only each Sunday, the Lord’s Day, but even daily. This is why we have the Holy Mass offered in our parishes each day. Of course, the duty and responsibility we have to be well disposed, free from grave sin, well confessed is understood (cf. 1 Corinthians 11:27-29). The Word of God is also a form of sustenance for us. Sacred Scripture is the Word of God in human language, while Jesus Christ is the Word made flesh who has dwelt among us (cf. Deuteronomy 8:3; Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4; John 1:14). So, even when we are not able to receive the supersubstantial Eucharistic bread in Holy Communion, at least we can receive the Word of God as food for our journey.
In the Lord’s Prayer, when we specify “this day” we refer to the here and now of today, even as we long for that day which has no end, where there will be no more tears or death or sorrow… (cf. Revelation 21:4). Receiving the Holy Eucharist in the here and now serves as a sort of homing device for us, anticipating the Feast of the Kingdom of Christ on high (cf. Matthew 22:2; Luke 13:29; 14:15).
Always remain faithful to prayer, especially the Lord’s Prayer.
God bless you!
Father John Arthur Orr