Saturday of the 32nd Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: 3 John 5-8, Psalm 112:1-6 and Luke 18:1-8
“And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night?” (Luke 18:7)
It is easy to pray when things are moving smoothly, but how difficult is it for us to pray when the going gets tough! In today’s Gospel passage, Jesus is telling us never to give up prayers, never to give up on God and never to give up on our faith even when it seems as if nothing is happening.
Prayer is not magic. Prayer is always an appeal to a higher power; God. We may be the holiest persons on earth, we may fast and pray more than anyone else, we may even climb the tallest mountains to pray. Still, everything depends on God.
God is free to decide whether or not we get what we are praying for. If it is His Will, our prayers will become realities, but if it is not His will or if He does not want it at that particular time, we will not get it.
No wonder Jesus added this petition in teaching us to pray: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10). It is quite touching to note that when Jesus was at the point of great pain and sorrow in the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed using the very same words: “My Father, if this cannot pass unless I drink it, thy will be done.” (Matthew 26:42).
In the parable of the unjust judge, Jesus makes us understand that even when our prayers appear to be ineffective, they are not wasted. Like the widow who continued to come to the unjust judge, Jesus says we must continue praying until something happens.
In the concluding line of our Gospel passage, Jesus asked a question: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” In other words, will He find the kind of faith that refuses to give up when there are no immediate answers from God? Will Jesus find the faith that remains strong even when things are not moving at all?
Never try to rush God. Let His will be done. Be careful of those who come around you offering alternatives to prayers such as diabolic powers. Many have become entangled with demonic powers all because of their attempt to get quick and immediate answers. Do not fall a victim. There may be a delay but God never sleeps.
Keep praying. Keep trusting that God cares. Keep praying until something happens.
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, give me the grace to pull through when the going becomes tough or when it seems my prayers are not heard. Amen.
Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you.