Readings: Wisdom 18:14-16,19:6-9, Ps. 105:2-3,36-37,42-43, Luke 18:1-8
“And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night? Will he delay long over them? I tell you, he will vindicate them speedily.” (Luke 18:7-8)
For many of us Christians, prayer feels like work. We view prayer as strenuous, like carrying heavy bags of cement. We do not enjoy praying because we fail to see prayer as an act of intimacy with God. Prayer is not a tool or a wand to wave for our wishes; it nourishes our souls. We do not always receive what we ask for in prayer, but the time spent praying enriches us both physically and spiritually.
Prayer is therapy. Prayer is medicine. Prayer is life. When we pray, we should focus not on the outcome but on the privilege of being with God. Get used to enjoying prayer now because it is the only thing we shall be doing in heaven. In today’s Gospel reading, Jesus used the parable of the unjust judge to teach us the importance of perseverance in prayer. Never give up on prayer.
Never turn your back on God because you have not received what you asked for. Get used to praying; enjoy prayer. You may wonder, “Why do I keep praying when I have yet to get what I am asking for? Why must I pray when prayer is not working?” Unlike the unjust judge in Jesus’ parable, God is loving and kind.
Jesus used an extreme example to drive home two points: If this woman knew the judge had a bad character, yet kept going back to him, how much more should we return again and again to God, who deeply cares about us? On the other hand, if the judge who doesn’t care about anyone granted the woman’s request, how much more God, who wants only the best for us? Prayer is never a waste of time; if God doesn’t do what you asked for, it is because He knows it is not yet time or that He has something better for you.
Nevertheless, prayer does not replace work. Prayer will not put food on your table; instead, it will give you the confidence to leave your house to search for food. You are not afraid to leave your house because you know God will bless the work of your hands. However, when you remain at home hoping that someone will bring the food to your doorstep or that the food will suddenly appear in your kitchen, you are now attempting to do magic. Prayer does not replace work; it blesses the work we do.
On the other hand, prayer must be accompanied by obedience to God’s commandments. If you genuinely have faith to ask God for anything, you will be aware that God is with you all day. Most of us treat God like an idol; when we pray, we believe He is there, but when we are busy with other activities, we assume He remains where we left Him (locked inside the church), and so we feel free to do whatever we please. God is everywhere. He sees everything we do. Worship God not only when you ask, seek, and knock, but also by loving your neighbour as yourself. Let your faith motivate your good deeds.
Today’s first reading from the Book of Wisdom praises the glory of God in all creation. One good way to start praying is to reflect on the beauty of nature, the wonder of creation, the rhythm of morning and evening, the trees, the rivers, the sun, the rain, the stars, and the atmosphere around you. Think of these things and think of the one who created and sustains them all. You will naturally slide into prayer. If the only prayer you can say after meditating on creation is “Thank you, God, for the wonder of my being”, it is enough.
Let us pray: Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, forever and ever. Amen
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. May God’s abundant blessings be upon us all. (Saturday of week 32 in Ordinary Time, Liturgical Colour: Green. Bible Study: Wisdom 18:14-16,19:6-9, Ps. 105:2-3,36-37,42-43, Luke 18:1-8)
@Rev. Fr. Evaristus E. Abu