(This article originally appeared in the TAU-USA Spring 2026 Issue #120)
By Kathleen Molaro, OFS • Franciscan Youth and Young Adult Commission Chair
When we pray “holy be Your name,” we ask that God’s name be honored not only by our words, but also by the way we live. St. Francis reminds us that the more deeply we come to know God, the more clearly we recognize His blessings, promises, majesty, and judgments. As we give thanks for His presence in our lives, our relationship with Him deepens.
These words invite us to wholehearted worship, with Jesus at the center of our lives. This part of the Lord’s Prayer is not passive; it is a call to turn away from seeking praise for ourselves and to direct our praise to God.
For young people in particular, growing in faith often means moving from a self-centered outlook toward a more mature understanding of their place in the world and their responsibility to serve others. This can be difficult, especially for teens, who face countless distractions, viewpoints, and choices pulling them in other directions. Praying “holy be Your name” is not enough; we are called to live those words.
Teen self-centeredness – often called adolescent egocentrism – is a normal stage of development. It serves a biological and psychological purpose, helping teens separate from their families as they build independence and a unique identity. We can enrich this stage by helping them recognize that all good comes from God. As we grow older, we too must remember that mature faith continually seeks purity of heart. Our Rule (art. 12) emphasizes the importance of “witnessing to the good yet to come and obliged to acquire purity of heart,” as we strive to be examples for younger generations.
Keeping Jesus at the center and remaining aware of God’s goodness and mercy require a conscious decision. It is easy to seek affirmation for ourselves and our accomplishments. Yet rather than building up our own name, we are called to share the Good News and glorify God’s name.
Recently, I noticed a group of young adults attending morning Mass. Afterward, I approached them, shared how pleased I was to see their joyful and prayerful spirit, and asked where they were from and what had brought them to our liturgy. Their answer was inspiring: “We feel so blessed by the people in our lives, the opportunities we have, and the environment we enjoy here in Northern California that we praise and thank God by celebrating Mass whenever and wherever we can.” They were simply traveling, yet recognizing God’s presence and grace had become an essential part of their journey.
As Franciscans, we are called to witness that all good comes from God and returns to Him in praise. When young people see us living with gratitude, humility, and joy, they learn that holiness is alive in ordinary moments. To pray “holy be Your name” is to let our lives proclaim what our words profess: God is worthy of all honor, glory, and praise.
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