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Office Of Readings | Week 11, Thursday, Ordinary Time | A Reading From The Treatise Of Saint Cyprian On The Lord’s Prayer | We Ask For Bread And Then For Forgiveness Of Sins
‘We ask for bread and then for forgiveness of sins.’
‘After The Gift Of Bread We Ask Pardon For Our Sins’
This section of Saint Cyprian’s treatise on the Lord’s Prayer turns our attention to the profoundly interconnected petitions: Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our trespasses. Cyprian interprets these lines not merely in material or moral terms, but through a rich theology centred on the Eucharist, sin, and salvation.
Daily Bread | Material And Eucharistic
Cyprian first affirms the dual nature of ‘our daily bread’. On a literal level, it includes our physical sustenance, an expression of our daily dependence on God. On a deeper spiritual level, he focuses on the Eucharist—the ‘bread of life’, which is ‘not for everyone’, but belongs to the faithful who live in communion with Christ. The Our Father is thus not simply a personal prayer, but the communal voice of the baptised, those who can rightly call God our Father and Christ our bread.
Drawing from John 6, Cyprian identifies Christ’s flesh as the Eucharistic bread ‘for the life of the world’. To receive it is to be united with Jesus Christ and to live in him; to be deprived of it is to fall from grace and be ‘far from salvation’. Therefore, the request for daily bread is also a plea for continued Eucharistic communion and spiritual life.
The Link Between Eucharist And Forgiveness
The sequence of the Lord’s Prayer is significant: after asking for our daily bread, we next ask for forgiveness. This reflects both liturgical practice and theological truth. We receive Jesus Christ only with a clean heart; therefore, we ask for pardon so we may worthily approach the sacrament.
Cyprian underlines this by warning against presumption: none should ‘complacently think himself innocent’. He references 1 John 1:8–9 to stress the universality of sin and the mercy of God. Even in our asking for forgiveness, we are reminded of our need for grace and humility. Prayer itself becomes a mirror in which we see both our weakness and God’s fidelity.
Prayer As Daily Renewal
The notion of daily prayer for forgiveness reinforces the Christian life as a constant turning back to God. Cyprian encourages a rhythm of penitence and restoration. His words correct the complacent while offering hope to the penitent. The faithful are not called to despair over sin, but to acknowledge it and trust in the forgiveness promised by Jesus Christ.
In this way, the Lord’s Prayer trains the heart in both Eucharistic reverence and moral vigilance. It reminds us that the life of grace must be renewed day by day, sustained by the bread of heaven and healed by divine mercy.
A Reading From The Treatise Of Saint Cyprian On The Lord’s Prayer | We Ask For Bread And Then For Forgiveness Of Sins
As the Lord’s Prayer continues, we ask: Give us this day our daily bread. We can understand this petition in a spiritual and in a literal sense. For in the divine plan both senses may help toward our salvation. For Christ is the bread of life; this bread does not belong to everyone, but is ours alone. When we say, our Father we understand that he is the Father of those who know him and believe in him. In the same way we speak of our daily bread, because Christ is the bread of those who touch his body.
Now, we who live in Christ and receive his Eucharist, the food of salvation, ask for this bread to be given us every day. Otherwise we may be forced to abstain from this communion because of some serious sin. In this way we shall be separated from the Body of Christ, as he taught us in the words: I am the bread of life which has come down from heaven. Anyone who eats my bread will live for ever and the bread that I will give is my flesh for the life of the world. Christ is saying, then, that anyone who eats his bread will live for ever. Clearly they possess life who approach his body and share in the Eucharistic communion. For this reason we should be apprehensive and pray that no one has to abstain from this communion, lest he be separated from the body of Christ and be far from salvation. Christ has warned of this: If you do not eat the flesh of the Son of man and drink his blood you will have no life in you. We pray for our daily bread, Christ, to be given to us. With this help, we who live and abide in him will never be separated from his body and his grace.
After this we ask pardon for our sins, in the words: and forgive us our trespasses. The gift of bread is followed by a prayer for forgiveness. To be reminded that we are sinners and forced to ask forgiveness for our faults is prudent and sound. Even while we are asking God’s forgiveness, our hearts are aware of our state! This command to pray daily for our sins reminds us that we commit sin every day. No one should complacently think himself innocent, lest his pride lead to further sin. Such is the warning that John gives us in his letter: If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, the Lord is faithful and just and will forgive our sins. His letter includes both points, that we should beg for forgiveness for our sins, and that we receive pardon when we do. He calls the Lord faithful, because he remains loyal to his promise, by forgiving us our sins. He both taught us to pray for our sins and our faults, and also promised to show us a father’s mercy and forgiveness.
Final Prayer With Jesus
Lord Jesus Christ,
Bread of life and source of all mercy,
you have taught us to pray for both daily nourishment and daily pardon.
Feed us always with your Body, that we may remain in your grace,
and forgive us when we stray, that we may return to your embrace.
Teach us humility, that we may know our need of you,
and gratitude, that we may cherish your gifts.
Keep us united to you in the Eucharist,
and in your mercy, lead us to the fullness of life.
Amen.
Glossary Of Christian Terms
- Eucharist: The sacrament in which the faithful receive the Body and Blood of Christ under the appearance of bread and wine.
- Daily bread: In this context, both physical sustenance and the spiritual nourishment found in the Eucharist.
- Trespasses: Sins or moral failings, for which we ask God’s forgiveness.
- Communion: Union with Christ and with the Church, particularly through receiving the Eucharist.
- Presumption: The sin of assuming one’s own righteousness or taking God’s mercy for granted.
- 1 John 1:8–9: A New Testament passage affirming the universality of sin and the assurance of God’s forgiveness for those who confess.
- Penitent: One who repents of their sins and seeks forgiveness.
- Liturgy: The official public worship of the Church, especially the celebration of the Eucharist.
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Gospel Reading: Matthew 11:28-30 ‘Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.’ In this passage, Jesus extends an invitation to all who are weary and burdened. Jesus promises rest and relief, urging us to take his yoke and learn from him. Jesus’ gentle and humble heart offers rest for our souls, emphasizing that his yoke is easy and his burden light. This passage is a reminder of the hope we have in Christ, who offers us rest and peace amid our struggles. Prayer Dear Jesus, In times of uncertainty and despair, I turn to you, the source of all hope. Fill my heart with your hope that transcends understanding. Help me to trust in your promises and to find joy and peace in your presence. May your hope renew my spirit and give me the strength to face each day with confidence and faith. Let your hope shine through me, bringing light to others who are in need. Amen. Personal Reflection What are the situations in your life that seem hopeless? How can you invite Jesus’ hope into these areas? Reflect on a time when you experienced renewed hope through your faith in Christ. Meditation On The Prayer And Gospel Matthew 11:28-30 is a passage that speaks directly to our need for hope and rest. Jesus’ invitation to come to him is extended to all who are weary and burdened, offering a refuge from the struggles of life. This invitation is not just a call to physical rest but a deeper spiritual rest that brings peace to our souls. Jesus understands the burdens we carry and offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. The imagery of a yoke suggests partnership and guidance; by taking on his yoke, we align ourselves with him, allowing him to share our burdens and guide our steps. This partnership is marked by learning from Jesus, whose gentle and humble heart sets an example for us. The promise of rest for our souls is comforting. In a world where we often feel overwhelmed and stressed, Jesus assures us that he is our source of true rest and peace. His rest is not temporary or superficial but a peace that sustains us through life’s challenges. This promise gives us hope, knowing that no matter what we face, we can find solace in Jesus. Reflecting on this passage, we are reminded of the importance of surrendering our burdens to Jesus. It requires trust and faith to let go of our anxieties and allow him to take control. This surrender is an act of faith, acknowledging that Jesus is capable and willing to carry our burdens. As we learn to trust him more, we experience the peace and rest he promises. The hope we find in Jesus is transformative. It renews our spirits and gives us the strength to persevere. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the nature of Jesus and his promises. It is a hope that empowers us to face each day with confidence, knowing that we are not alone. As we embrace this hope, we are called to share it with others. The hope we receive from Jesus is not meant to be kept to ourselves but to be a light for others who are struggling. Through words of encouragement, acts of kindness, and simply being present, we can extend Jesus’ invitation of hope and rest to those around us. By living out this hope, we reflect Christ’s love and bring his light into the world. In practical terms, fostering hope involves daily practices that keep us connected to Jesus. Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, and being part of a faith community help us to stay grounded in our faith and renew our hope. These practices remind us of Jesus’ promises and keep our focus on him rather than on our circumstances. Prayer Lord Jesus, You are the anchor of my hope. In moments of doubt and despair, remind me of your promises. Fill my heart with your joy and peace, and let your hope overflow in my life. Help me to trust in your plans and to find strength in your presence. May your hope shine in me, guiding me through every trial and illuminating the path ahead. Use me as a beacon of your hope, bringing comfort and encouragement to those in need. Thank you for the gift of your eternal hope. Amen. Jeremiah 29:11 ‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.’ Blessing May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him. May you overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit, and may His hope guide and sustain you in all things. Amen.
