Chap. Ii.—The First Clause.
CHAP. II.—THE FIRST CLAUSE.
The prayer begins with a testimony to God, and with the reward of
faith, when we say, "Our Father who art in the heavens;" for (in so
saying), we at once pray to God, and commend faith, whose reward this
appellation is. It is written, "To them who believed on Him He gave
power to be called sons of God."[1] However, our Lord very frequently
proclaimed God as a Father to us; nay, even gave a precept "that we
call no one on earth father, but the Father whom we have in the
heavens:[2] and so, in thus praying, we are likewise obeying the
precept. Happy they who recognize their Father ! This is the reproach
that is brought against Israel, to which the Spirit attests heaven and
earth, saying, "I have begotten sons, and they have not recognized
me."[3] Moreover, in saying "Father," we also call Him "God." That
appellation is one both of filial duty and of power. Again, in the
Father the Son is invoked; "for I," saith He, "and the Father are
One."[4] Nor is even our mother the Church passed by, if, that is, in
the Father and the Son is recognized the mother, from whom arises the
name both of Father and of Son. In one general term, then, or word, we
both honour God, together with His own,[5] and are mindful of the
precept, and set a mark on such as have forgotten their Father.