Explaining the Oratio Imperata
These are no longer words. This is what we truly believe in. Let's try to understand it better, shall we?
Recently, as one family of believers, as one Catholic church, we have been implored to pray the Oratio Imperata in petition for the Coronavirus pandemic. It is prayed twice throughout the day, once at noontime and once at 8 in the evening. It has a lot of thoughts and concerns packed into one prayer, and here, I try my best to explain the purpose of each line. This is coming from a 20-year old guy that has his fair share of taking part in a church and such, and that's why if you have any thoughts it would be great if you could comment your takes. Alright, let's begin.
Oratio Imperata in Latin is "obligatory prayer", with 'orationis' being prayer. This is normally prayed at times of desperate need and calamity. A global pandemic such as what we are experiencing right now is a valid enough reason to pray this prayer. In times of great loss, anxiety, discomfort, and weakness, a glimmer of hope is what the entire world needs.
We lift up to God this cross we are currently bearing and trust in what He has planned.
When we pray, "God our Father, we come to you in our need", we remind ourselves of who God is in our lives. A father. Our father. Not mine. Not yours. Because of Jesus dying on the cross, we are bought by His blood and adopted into His family, so we can say Our Father. The Father that embraces the disturbed. The One who comforts. The One who has everything planned out. With that, we are humbled. We remember how small and weak we are, that all we could do is come boldly to Him. We don't deserve it, but we need it so badly. Mercy is what we need. As His children, He will not hold back from giving His mercy. Here, we pray for mercy.
When we pray, "to ask your protection against the COVID 19 that has disturbed and even claimed lives.", we take into account the lethality and high rate of contagion of the disease. So much so, everyone's lives have been altered. Rich or poor, young or old, everyone is affected one way or another. Some reside in hospitals, some worry about funerals, others are stuck at home, and some have to go with their regular routine as if a disease won't affect them suddenly. It's a terrifying thought and we just need some kind of assurance that we'll be alright in time. Here, we pray for protection.
When we pray, "We pray that you guide the people tasked to find cures for this disease and to stem its transmission. Protect the medical experts that they may minister to the sick with competence and compassion.", we remember the people who are out there fighting. We know of them as the front-liners. These brave souls, who have stepped into the battlefield are out of their minds and we're the people who benefit who can just stay home during this lockdown. We do our part by stemming the transmission to fewer. Here, we pray for wisdom.
When we pray, "We pray for those afflicted. May they be restored to health soon. Protect those who care for them. Grant eternal rest to those who have died.", we keep in our minds and hearts the men and women suffering firsthand on the clutches of this sickness. The pain they are going through and those people around them who are suffering with them, is unimaginable. We pray that the sick may hold on to the path of healing, for the caregivers to do all that they can, for their families to be relieved of worry, and for the ones who have already passed. May they see the light of heaven. Here, we pray for healing and comfort.
When we pray, "Give us the grace in this trying time to work for the good of all and to help those in need.", we are reminded of our strength and the opportunity we have to give and help and be a blessing. We can't do everything, but we can do something. Whatever our talents, gifts, capacities are, if we can give, we can bless and love. Here, we pray for generosity and courage.
When we pray, "We implore you to stop the spread of this virus and to save us from our fears.", we put our minds back at God's power and marvel at what He can do. What He can do is heal all of us instantly of this disease. What He can do is limitless, we just focus back on His power to do amazing things. Here, we pray for humility.
This is our prayer. Not just some words we recite nor memorize, but to live by. It is an encounter that leads us to see not just God's identity, but also ours. For who God is, that is who we are in turn if we just tap into His vast power. If we continually, unceasingly pray for God to work, He will. We receive this grace today. Twice, even.
Thank you, Jesus. Thank you, Holy Spirit. Thank you, God.
This period of our lives is for you.