======================================

THE ‘OUR FATHER’ OF MY CHILDHOOD:

An Alternative Reading of Luke 11:4^[1]

Zacarias G. Damo, Jr.

                ======================================

??? ???? ???? ??? ???????? ????,

??? ??? ????? ??????? ????? ????????? ????·

(Lk 11:4)

Every perspective or point of view about life is shaped by no less than life itself as it unfolds in history. Accordingly, my convictions and insights on life’s essentials have been formed by the blending of my historical circumstances with my biblical heritage; this, moreover, has become the seedbed from which an alternative reading of the ‘Our Father’ -- Luke 11:4 particularly -- has grown. Thenceforth, I have realized the reading’s relevance to life’s challenges, especially in the Philippines, a nation that longs for salvation from dehumanizing situations. And more than sharpening my perspective, I have found the reading very meaningful for a spirituality which aims to resonate with Third World issues (so it has been in my experience, at least). What a pearl of great price; indeed, a treasure ought to be shared!