Homily: Twenty-seventh Thursday of Ordinary Time
Homily: Twenty-seventh Thursday of Ordinary Time (Lk 11:5-13) “What is Persistent Prayer?”
Persistence in prayer was a favorite topic of Jesus. How do we define persistence? When we asked our parents for a certain toy for our birthday growing up, did we believe that if we asked repeatedly, then we could get what we wanted? Is this the meaning of persistence in prayer, asking for something until we get it?
We all have heard people say that they have prayed for an intention, but the prayer was not answered. We can detect disappointment as well as anger at such moments. I have had such experiences. I have prayed for certain outcomes. Usually, I put it in terms of what I think is best. But is it up to me?
Persistence in prayer can be looked at in another way which is that believers should never stop talking to God. I find that if I pray every morning that my day unfolds differently than if I just rush into my day. The Benedictines pray five times a day every day. They pray whether they are having a good day or a bad day. One thing that can be said about their prayer is that it is consistent.
Much has been said about the fact that many people no longer attend weekly Mass. Some would say that this does not indicate anything about people’s level of faith. They still believe in God. It may not say much about belief, but it may say something about a person’s prayer life.
For many people the only time they slow down to spend time with God is at Sunday morning at Mass. It is a real loss for many people when they do not make time for the Eucharist.
Many of us find it hard to take time to nourish our spiritual life. I had a priest friend say, “If you are too busy for prayer you are too busy.” Quite often it easier to run away from God then to sit down and talk to God. When the conversation with the divine stops the spiritual life atrophies. We then live life on the surface. We don’t unpack life’s deeper meaning.
Reflection Questions:
1. Do I talk to God all the time? What are the benefits in doing this?
2. What does persistence in prayer mean to me?
Dear Parishioners,
Seton is having its fall festival this Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. You can buy tickets at the door or call Seton School. You can also visit their Facebook or Web pages. This is Seton Schools most important fund raiser of the year. I would encourage everyone to support this effort.
Remember that on Wednesday night October 18th we will be having a parish meeting regarding the Growing Disciples process. The Diocese of Peoria is trying to streamline parish operations so that parishes will be more vibrant and that parishioners will have more energy to make disciples. This is an open meeting and will be held at the St. Damien Center beginning at 7 p.m. The agenda calls for a meeting that will last for an hour. The core team of our parish will stay as long as necessary to answer questions.
May Our Lady bless us as we seek to serve her son.
Fr. Mark