October 16
Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Reflection
The readings today are focused on the concept of persistence in prayer. The persistent widow illustrates for us the way to seek justice in a persistent way. Our prayers can be seen in the same light. Oftentimes, we pray for things that we want to see happen, such as the recovery of our loved one from an illness or to get a job that we think will make us happier or more satisfied with our career. More often than not, we do not get what we asked for. That is not always a bad thing.
This quote from a Confederate soldier explains a possible reason that God might have a different take on things than we do, "I asked for strength that I might achieve, God made me weak that I might obey. I asked for health that I might do greater things; I was given grace that I might do better things. I asked for riches that I might be happy; I was given poverty that I might be wise. I asked for power that I might have the praise of men; I was given weakness that I might feel the need of God. I asked for all things that I might enjoy life; I was given life that I might enjoy all things. I received nothing that I asked for, and all that I hoped for. My prayers were answered; I was most blessed."
The most important thing is not to get what we pray for, but to learn to pray with sincerity and humility. To have a strong prayer life and spend our time listening to God’s will for our lives is the most important thing a Catholic or any faith filled person can do. If we look at the example of St. Monica, we see what persistence in prayer can do. She prayed fervently for her son St. Augustine to stop his sinful playboy style of life. She prayed for sixteen years and finally was rewarded for her persistence when he was baptized. Let us pray persistently, but also in a humble and loving way.
Keep the faith,
Deacon Dare
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