It’s hard to imagine myself in the shoes (or sandals) of Jesus’ disciples learning “The Lord’s Prayer” for the first time. Assuming I have heard the words of the “Our Father” at least once a week for my entire lifetime, that’s almost 1,500 prayers! It has become like second nature, with recitation on any given Sunday requiring little to no focus.

However, the disciples’ focus in today’s gospel was most likely captivated by many things about the prayer—for example, the countercultural call to forgive others or the concept of surrendering their “daily bread” out of trust in God’s providence. In my own meditation upon “The Lord’s Prayer” through the eyes of the first disciples, I am drawn to the phrase “Thy Kingdom come… on earth as it is in heaven.” What does Jesus mean by this? How are we to experience the kingdom on earth?

As much as I’d like to think Jesus’ words here indicate his subtle appreciation for one of the small kingdoms that I identify with (that of the Kansas City Chiefs), the line better serves as a reminder of the need for detachment from our worldly desires, and the orientation of our lives in pursuit of him and service of others.

I recently attended the Young Catholic Professionals annual conference in Dallas, Texas, where much of the weekend’s themes were inspired by the writings of St. Josemaria Escriva, in particular his reflections upon the likening of the kingdom of God to a vineyard of laborers. St. Josemaria ultimately challenges us (the laborers) to be “saints of the ordinary” and to build the kingdom in simple ways by sanctifying our work, our daily routines, and our relationships with one another.

Lord Jesus, as we attempt to build your kingdom in our respective vineyards here on earth, keep our eyes fixed on the promise of heaven and eternal life with you.