Youcat commented through CCC – Question n. 521 – Part III.

YOUCAT Question n. 521 - Part III. What does it mean to say, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”?

(Youcat answer repeated) When we pray for the universal accomplishment of God’s will, we pray that on earth and in our own heart it may become as it already is in heaven.   

A deepening through CCC

(CCC 2825 a) "Although he was a Son, [Jesus] learned obedience through what he suffered" (Heb 5:8). How much more reason have we sinful creatures to learn obedience - we who in him have become children of adoption. We ask our Father to unite our will to his Son's, in order to fulfill his will, his plan of salvation for the life of the world. We are radically incapable of this, but united with Jesus and with the power of his Holy Spirit, we can surrender our will to him and decide to choose what his Son has always chosen: to do what is pleasing to the Father (Cf. Jn 8:29).

Reflecting and meditating 

(Youcat comment) As long as we continue to set our hearts on our own plans, our will, and our ideas, earth cannot become heaven. One person wants this, the other that. We find our happiness, however, when together we want what God wills. Praying means making room bit by bit for God’s will on this earth.

(CCC Comment)

(CCC 2825 b) In committing ourselves to [Christ], we can become one spirit with him, and thereby accomplish his will, in such wise that it will be perfect on earth as it is in heaven (Origen, De orat. 26 PG 11, 501B). Consider how [Jesus Christ] teaches us to be humble, by making us see that our virtue does not depend on our work alone but on grace from on high. He commands each of the faithful who prays to do so universally, for the whole world. For he did not say "thy will be done in me or in us," but "on earth," the whole earth, so that error may be banished from it, truth take root in it, all vice be destroyed on it, virtue flourish on it, and earth no longer differ from heaven.    

 

(This question: What does it mean to say, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven”? is continued)