In Galatians 2:1-2, 7-14, we see Paul going to Jerusalem to meet with the apostles to ensure the gospel he preached was in harmony with theirs. His mission was clear: to proclaim that all people, Jew and Gentile alike, are invited into the family of God through faith in Christ. This emphasis on inclusion and unity is further underscored when Paul confronts Peter for withdrawing from Gentile believers, reminding him that the gospel is for everyone, without distinction.
In Luke 11:1-4, we find Jesus teaching His disciples how to pray, and He begins with a simple yet profound phrase: “Father.” This is significant because Jesus invites us to see God not as a distant deity, but as our Father—loving, approachable, and intimately involved in our lives. This “our Father” is not just *my* Father or *your* Father, but the Father of all who believe. He is a Father who provides, forgives, and guides us as His children.
When we call God “Father,” we acknowledge that we belong to a larger family—the family of God. This means that regardless of our differences—cultural, social, or ethnic—we are united under one Father. Just as Paul fought for the inclusion of Gentiles into the Christian community, we too are called to recognize that God’s love and grace extend to all people.
The prayer Jesus teaches, “Give us each day our daily bread,” is a prayer of shared dependence on God. It reminds us that we are all in need of the same provision, forgiveness, and guidance from our Father. It fosters a spirit of humility, knowing that we are all equally dependent on His grace.
As we reflect on these passages, we are reminded that God is the Father of all, and that we, as His children, are called to live in unity, reflecting His love and grace to one another. Let us embrace the inclusiveness of God’s fatherhood and strive to love and accept each other as brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.