Homily: First Thursday of Lent

First Thursday of Lent (Mt. 7:7-12) “Be Constant in Prayer”

Is persistence in prayer the key? We get the impression that if we nag God enough, then God will answer our requests. I have prayed for things repeatedly, sometimes every day, and I can’t say that I have ever gotten exactly what I ask for.

I have heard other people speak of praying for something repeatedly and they have not gotten what they wanted. Does that mean that God does not hear the prayer or that God ignores the prayer.

I had a priest friend who had a terrible cancer. He was said to be terminal. He prayed repeatedly for a miracle cure, and he had other people do the same. He wanted to live. He wanted to touch people’s lives with his ministry. Ultimately, his prayer was not answered.

But in a way his prayer was answered because he lived far longer than he ever was expected to live. He also had a change of behavior. He was always a very impatient man, but as he went through his many treatments, he became exceedingly patient. He touched many peoples lives in ways they will never forget. Were his prayers answered or were they not?

Someone once said that God might not always give us the answer we want in our prayers. Sometimes God says no. Perhaps that no is the answer that is the best answer.

I have prayed for things in my life and the result that I experienced was unexpected. When I look back, I might say to myself, “You know I am glad that God did not give me what I was asking for because things turned out for the best.”

I would say it is not persistence in prayer that is the key to our spiritual life. But the key is never to quit talking to God. When we stop praying that is when we can give up on life. Jesus asks us to keep the lines of communication open with the Lord. If we do, we might be surprised at the results.

Reflection Questions:

1.     Have I ever prayed for something repeatedly? What was it?

2.    Has a prayer ever been answered in a way I did not expect? How did I feel about that?

 Dear Parishioners,

           This weekend our confirmation candidates will be celebrating the Rite of Election at our 9:15 Sunday Mass. The eighth graders will be standing up in front of the church to declare their intention to be confirmed.

          I did not do this as a child. Our confirmation preparation seemed to be disconnected from church community. We did not have a sense that we were being prayed for by other church members. We showed up on confirmation night and that was the first time we made a public commitment.

          I think that it is good to have the parish community affirm the confirmands in the choice. We live in a world that seems to value commitment less than ever. This leads to a lot of instability in people’s lives and that is not a good thing.

          Please pray that our confirmation students will grow into their commitment over time.

          May Our Lady pray for all those who are searching for a greater faith,

          Fr. Mark