DIVINE WHISPER with FR. PIUSRALPH EFFIONG, SMMM

SATURDAY OF THE 32nd WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME OF THE YEAR (II)

Mystery of the day: Joyful 

Celebration:  St Josaphat, Bishop and Martyr

(1580-1623). Born in Ukraine (Russia) of Orthodox parents, he became a Catholic and a Basilian monk. Chosen bishop, he worked faithfully for the unity of the Church until he was martyred by a mob.

Table of the Word: 3 John 5-8;  Luke 18:1-8

"...to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1)

Theme: Peseverance in prayer.

Reflection for the day

How often do we need to pray for our requests to be answered? Is there any modus operandi needed to employ so as to receive the grace asked for? Is there any designated place or time are we supposed to pray? These and many other questions surround the efficacy of prayer. 

Above all, we ought to pray always, leaving our needs to God who knows it all, at any place or given time. Prophet Micah also invites us to persist in prayer no matter the circumstance. We need to persevere and God will do it at the appointed time. (cf. Micah 7:7)

It is in the same spirit that, our Lord this morning captured the need to pray often in his parable to his disciples saying:

"...to the effect that they ought always to pray and not lose heart." (Luke 18:1)

Most often we pray as often as possible, still no fruit of the prayer, no response given; it seems to be a wasted effort.

Not at all, only that we made the conversation a "monologue" instead of a "dialogue". Every prayer is a dialogue between "you (I) and God". We need to present our intentions, then allow God to speak to us. 

Sometimes God speaks and we don't hear Him talking because we have allowed ourselves to beclouded with our expectations. Whereas God has the final say, either "yes" if it is necessary, "no" when it is not a need for us; and then "wait" when we are yet to reach the stage of maturity. 

Until we realize this, then we will keep on asking how often do we need to pray. Let us also give God the floor to speak to us after we must have requested. It is in doing this that we will make the prayer what it ought to be. May our prayers O! Lord we pray be pleasing to you.  Peace, be with you!

Let us pray

Stir up in your Church, we pray, O Lord, the Spirit that filled Saint Josaphat as he laid down his life for the sheep, so that through his intercession we, too, may be strengthened by the same Spirit and not be afraid to lay down our life for others. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

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