I was busy preparing a presentation for a group of teachers based on Jesus’ core question; who do you say I am?
As I was scrolling through my documents, I came upon this reflection written by our inspiring Australian scripture scholar, Fr Gerald O’Collins SJ.
As I reread it I was captured by the words his mother prayed over him every night. It struck a deep chord in me.
‘. . . When I was born my parents did not make plans for me! I remember the only plan my mum has was her prayer at the bedtime. She daily says the same prayer:
“God you have sent your son into our world with the uncertainties and risks which are parts of this world. You have given me my son and I am releasing him in this world, although, unlike you, I don’t know what his future will be. However, I trust in your guidance as you have guided your beloved son. You won’t let him dash his foot against a stone and as Father you won’t give him a stone if he begs for his daily bread. I trust in you, even when he meets difficulties and will face one day the breath of the death. I trust you, as your own beloved son have trusted in you”
Her prayer becomes my prayer. Each time I think of her, I pray also the same prayer for her instead of praying for me.’
I have grandchildren. Not a day goes by that I don’t remember them and my adult children in prayer. I hand them over to God. I let go.
Lent is a time to pray for each other. And as Gerald O’Collins says; I hope that through Christ we continue to pray for each other and that we become for each other mothers and brothers and sisters. This is what Jesus commands us to do as his disciples, brothers and sisters.

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