St. Mary's Church Elizabeth, IL

11/3

"Thy Kingdom Come"

What are we asking when we pray the Lord's Prayer?

Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven

God's will, is perfectly accomlished in heaven; this petition ask that God also perfectly accomplish his will on earth.  God's will, means God's plan in creating the universe and in sending his Son to bring redemption to the human race.  God's will, being done, thus encompasses far more than everyone obeying his commandments or being faithful to his guidance to them as individuals, although these are included.  God's will, being done on earth means the complete accomplishment of God's purposes in all their cosmic sweep.

These petitions ask God to complete his work of creation and redemption.

This petition, like the other two petitions, ask God to act and to act definitely.  God's will be definitely done when his kingdom is established in its fullness at the end of this age, making it clear that God is indeed God.  We might pray "Thy will be done" as a way of expressing our submission to God's will, and that is certainly a valid prayer for us to make.  But in the context of the Lord's Prayer, "Thy will be done" is a petitions that God completely carry out his sovereign will:  the accent falls on what God does, not on what we are willing to do.

The first three petitions of the Lord's Prayer thus make the same basic request of God but in different words.  These petitions ask God to complete his work of creation and redemption, bringing everything to fulfilment, establishing his definitive and eternal rule.  We can ask nothing greater of God.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY

Eighteen years ago, I came to understand the profound impact of our choices.  Each choice we make can lead us down a path of either positive or negative consequences.  On this particular day, I made a poor decision-I convinced myself it was just fine to drink and drive.  The events that followed are etched in my memory.

As I sped down Blackjack Road, I lost consciousness and collided head-on with a tree.   The dashboard crushed me into my seat, and my left leg twisted in a full 380-degree turn, inflicting sever damage to my ankle and knee, and pushing my femur eight inches out of my back.  I sat trapped in the truck, smoke billowing from the hood, desperately trying to use my elbow to break the glass, knowing deep down that I couldn't escape it alone.

After what felt like and eternity of drifiting in and our of consciousness, I was rescued by some amazing firemen, police and EMT's and transported by helicopter to Rockford, and then on to the University of Madison due to the severity of my injuries.  I underwent several hours or reconstructive surgery, during which 28 rods, pins, and plates were inserted into my pelvis.  Although it took time, I eventually learned to walk again.

This experience taught me that our choices impact not just oursleves but everyone around us.  Because of my decision to drink and drive, I missed out on countless moments with my boys as they grew up-I was unable to run the bases with them during their baseball years, play kickball, or join in football games.  Running, something I onces cherished, became impossible for me.  Each morning, as I struggle to put on my left sock, I am reminded of that choice.  Over the years, I adapted and learned to do many things again, though I still face limitations.  However, I also made a significant positive choice shortley after my accident:  I accepted an invitation to Church.  This decision changed  my life and the lives of many others for the better.

I chose to embrace Christ, receive His forgiveness, and be renewed.  Many of you know me as a military police officer, a construction worker, a cook, a pastor, and now as the owner of my own construction company.  Every day of my life has been shaped by the choices I've made.

So I urge you to consider this: y ou have 24 hours in each day.  Remember that the choices you make today may seem fleeting, bu they will have lasting effects-not only on your life but on countless others as well.  To God be the glory.

Fr. Joachim