Expositio super orationem Dominicam

Hallowed be thy name.

What is meant by hallowed? Does any increase of holiness come to God from our proclaiming it? By no means, but we pray that it be hallowed in us, so that his holiness may be able to reach us. Or otherwise: the just and merciful potter works, from the muddy mass of just condemnation, his vessels, some unto honor, some unto reproach, some vessels of wrath, some vessels of mercy.

For God mercifully bestows grace upon some. Whence some who are at first wicked afterward become good, as Paul did. From others, however, he withdraws grace justly. Whence some who are at first good afterward become, and remain, wicked, as Saul and Judas. For God has mercy on whom he wills, and whom he wills he hardens¹.

Thus, then, let the text be read: let it be hallowed, that is, let it be confirmed in us, thy name, in this life, since the name of the Father is transferable onto the sons. For Judas was at one time a son, and at another time not. Because of this possibility of being moved, the Apostle says: lest I too should be found reprobate². In the homeland, however, all will be sons of God, and God will be all in all³. Whence with the whole desire of the mind, with the whole affection of the heart, must be said what follows: