Twenty-Ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time
Ex 17:8-13 | 2 Tm 3:14-4:2 | Lk 18:1-8
The power of Prayer to God is persistence.
"We can do nothing without prayer. All things can be done by
importunate prayer. It surmounts or removes all obstacles,
overcomes every resisting force of invincible hindrances".
-E.M. Bounds
In today’s readings, we are taught the importance of persistence in God's will being carried out. In Exodus, Moses must persist in raising his arms. Paul instructs Timothy to be persistent even when it is not convenient. A widow in Jesus' parable, has success when she influences a dishonest Judge to render a just verdict in her favor because of her persistence.
On our faith journey, through life may we be inspired by these examples of persistence when we are faced with great difficulties. Who of us has not had to overcome discouragement, distress, and doubt in our life? The times that we have felt powerless when we pray for one who is sick and dear to our hearts. We pray to God as the great healer, to ease their pain and calm their fears.
"We set forth our petitions before God, not in order to make known to Him our needs and desires, but rather so that we ourselves may realize that in these things it is necessary to turn to God for help". -St. Thomas Aquinas
In our anguish and doubt, we pray to God for his loving care to increase our faith and trust in Him. We wonder why God seems not to be answering our prayers. God in His time, which is not our time, demands our patience in all that we pray for. He urges us to believe in Him for He knows of the temptations that weaken our prayers to believe in His Divine Providence. In Him, we are strengthened as He gives us the grace of endurance which in practice sometimes can be hard to do. Perseverance in prayer will also help us to align our thoughts and intentions with God's will until He reveals His plan for us.
We must never forget to surrender our hearts to God and thank Him for all the times His kindness has been there for us throughout our life. Let us follow the example of St. Thomas Aquinas in His daily prayer.
"O merciful God, grant that I may desire ardently, search prudently, recognize truly, and bring to perfect completion whatever is pleasing to you, for the praise and glory of your name. Put my life in order, O my God. Grant that I may know what you require me to do".
God does hear those who are faithful and persistent and by His grace, our prayers will be answered.
Sr. Bridget Mary Troy