After Thoughts: Tenth Sunday after Pentecost

Luke 11:1-13

“One of his disciples said to him…” I wonder which one it was and why he asked at that moment? By this time in the ministry of Jesus, the disciples had been witnesses to many things – a leper cleansed, a paralytic healed, sins forgiven, demons dispatched, a widow’s son returned to life, profound teaching and preaching, and the really big event – the Transformation when Jesus took Peter, James, and John up on the mountain to pray. And while Jesus was praying, something happened – his physical appearance changed and his clothing became dazzling white. Did this happen every time Jesus prayed? And then the patriarchs appear. Wow!

Why then did it take so long for the disciples to ask Jesus to teach them how to pray like that? They observed the Transfiguration, they were there, but they didn’t quite get it. Just a few verses later, they are arguing about who is the greatest. Jesus has already told them about what awaits him – the Son of Man must undergo great suffering – and again – the Son of Man is going to be betrayed into human hands. Yet, like small children, they are fighting over rank and hierarchy, worldly aspirations.

Finally, one of them asks – Lord, teach us to pray. Jesus must have sighed with relief. Maybe, just maybe, the disciples were starting to get it. And so Jesus tells them to start by saying “Father.” Now remember all the things they have seen Jesus do and the things that have been done. Like at the baptism of Jesus when a voice from heaven says “You are my Son, the beloved; with you I am well pleased.” And then, at the Transfiguration, the voice says “This is my Son, my Chosen; listen to him.”

How incredible is it that the first word on prayer from Jesus is to say “Father?” To instruct us, mere mortals, to call upon the God of the universe as a beloved parent? In that one word, Jesus, the beloved, the Chosen, chooses to embrace us as brothers and sisters, siblings, children of the most High God, and says - start your prayers by saying “Father.” Daddy. Poppa. Abba.

If the prayer had stopped right there, it would be enough. When we are overflowing with joy, shout “Father.” When we are lost, cry “Father.” When we are suffering, whimper “Father.” And then listen and wait. Because the Master Creator, the Immutable, Infinite, Eternal, God Most High is our Father who is waiting to give us more than we can imagine, things the world can never give.

Today, let us not miss out on the “much more” that God is waiting to give us. Out of the busyness of the world, may we take time to sit quietly, to call out “Father” and to give thanks for the coming of the Holy Spirit. “When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ.” Listen. Wait. We are children. We are heirs. The kingdom is near. The best is yet to come.