Oct.16th, '16 Sunday homily- Fr.Francis Chirackal CMI
Ex 17: 8-13; 2 Tim 3:14–4:2, Luke 18: 1-8
Ex 17: 8-13; 2 Tim 3:14–4:2, Luke 18: 1-8
For readings click:
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101616.cfm
http://www.usccb.org/bible/readings/101616.cfm
The Niagara Falls Suspension Bridge on the Niagara River links the U.S. and Canada. The bridge was reportedly built in 1848 by engineer Charles Ellet, Jr., in this fashion: First, a kite with a thread attached to it was flown across the Niagara River. Next, a cord was attached to the thread and pulled across. Then a rope was attached to the cord. Finally, a cable was attached to the rope. From the cable, larger cables and the rest of the bridge were moved into place. Do you believe that God can use you to do big things as Charles Ellet used thin thread? The answer we find in today’s scriptures is ‘yes’.
Today’s readings speak of the power of prayer and need of perseverance in prayer. It uses two examples, namely, of Moses and the parable of widow’s persisted plea for justice. In the first reading we see, whenever Moses held up his hand in prayer Joshua prevailed and whenever Moses lowered his hand, the enemy prevailed. It symbolizes that if we stop praying to God, it will provide opportunities to enemies, the evil powers to prevail over us. St.Paul in the Second Reading through the advice to Timothy tells us to remain firm on sacred teaching with faith in Jesus Christ. Through the parable of unjust judge and justice seeking widow, Jesus wants to focus our attention on the example of ‘widow who never felt tired of prayer’. Her optimism and perseverance brought her justice. Her everyday prayer became capable of even transforming the mind of unjust man. Prayer has the power to transform, speedup, slowdown, weaken, change, strengthen and heal.
AA group members have a rule that they need to be connected to the group to remain sober. Connectedness gives them enormous strength. Human nature is also always prone to wander away from God. It is through prayer a person keeps connected to god. The person who remains in God through constant prayers becomes stronger and stronger in divine and human relationships. As a thin thread of kite gradually replaced with a strong bridge over Niagara river, which connected the United States and Canada, through continued prayer we raise our praise, thanksgiving and supplications to God while God sends His blessings to us His faithful servants.
The goal of particular prayers is to enable us to pray always and thereby find the energy to work and to see our work in the context of prayer. Perseverance is one of the most powerful forces at our command. Prayer has power, but to tap that power, we must persevere at it and not look for overnight results. It is evident that prayer has enormous power. It can influence the function and outcome of lives of people and even planetary movements. In the words of Dr. Alex Carrel, Nobel Prize winner of 1912 in Physiology/Medicine, “Prayer is the most powerful form of energy one can generate. The influence of prayer on the human mind and body is as evident to us as secreting glands. Prayer is a force as real as gravity.” In the words of St. Teresa of Avila ‘prayer is the doorway to great graces; if this door is closed, I do not see how God can bestow any graces!’
Once a small boy was asked if he ever prayed. In his answer to the question, the boy made a wise and profound distinction. He said, “Sometimes I pray, but sometimes I just say my prayers.” To experience the power of prayer, we must pray and persevere in praying. Just as Moses got help from his friends to keep praying when he grew tired, many times to persevere in prayer we may need help from others and also need to help others. Today, as we observe Mission Sunday, a special day to pray and contribute towards the missionary activities of the Church in a special way, let us actively involve in its missionary work through our prayers and also support the missionary activities of the Church. Holy Father Pope Francis especially reminds us of our missionary role in the context of the Year of Mercy. We should be aware of the fact that the demands of modern life are such that unless we schedule a regular time to pray, we probably won’t pray at all and lose the great source of power which energizes our daily lives. Therefore let us resolve and pray for grace not to have a single day without prayer in our lives. God bless you.
Today’s readings speak of the power of prayer and need of perseverance in prayer. It uses two examples, namely, of Moses and the parable of widow’s persisted plea for justice. In the first reading we see, whenever Moses held up his hand in prayer Joshua prevailed and whenever Moses lowered his hand, the enemy prevailed. It symbolizes that if we stop praying to God, it will provide opportunities to enemies, the evil powers to prevail over us. St.Paul in the Second Reading through the advice to Timothy tells us to remain firm on sacred teaching with faith in Jesus Christ. Through the parable of unjust judge and justice seeking widow, Jesus wants to focus our attention on the example of ‘widow who never felt tired of prayer’. Her optimism and perseverance brought her justice. Her everyday prayer became capable of even transforming the mind of unjust man. Prayer has the power to transform, speedup, slowdown, weaken, change, strengthen and heal.
AA group members have a rule that they need to be connected to the group to remain sober. Connectedness gives them enormous strength. Human nature is also always prone to wander away from God. It is through prayer a person keeps connected to god. The person who remains in God through constant prayers becomes stronger and stronger in divine and human relationships. As a thin thread of kite gradually replaced with a strong bridge over Niagara river, which connected the United States and Canada, through continued prayer we raise our praise, thanksgiving and supplications to God while God sends His blessings to us His faithful servants.
The goal of particular prayers is to enable us to pray always and thereby find the energy to work and to see our work in the context of prayer. Perseverance is one of the most powerful forces at our command. Prayer has power, but to tap that power, we must persevere at it and not look for overnight results. It is evident that prayer has enormous power. It can influence the function and outcome of lives of people and even planetary movements. In the words of Dr. Alex Carrel, Nobel Prize winner of 1912 in Physiology/Medicine, “Prayer is the most powerful form of energy one can generate. The influence of prayer on the human mind and body is as evident to us as secreting glands. Prayer is a force as real as gravity.” In the words of St. Teresa of Avila ‘prayer is the doorway to great graces; if this door is closed, I do not see how God can bestow any graces!’
Once a small boy was asked if he ever prayed. In his answer to the question, the boy made a wise and profound distinction. He said, “Sometimes I pray, but sometimes I just say my prayers.” To experience the power of prayer, we must pray and persevere in praying. Just as Moses got help from his friends to keep praying when he grew tired, many times to persevere in prayer we may need help from others and also need to help others. Today, as we observe Mission Sunday, a special day to pray and contribute towards the missionary activities of the Church in a special way, let us actively involve in its missionary work through our prayers and also support the missionary activities of the Church. Holy Father Pope Francis especially reminds us of our missionary role in the context of the Year of Mercy. We should be aware of the fact that the demands of modern life are such that unless we schedule a regular time to pray, we probably won’t pray at all and lose the great source of power which energizes our daily lives. Therefore let us resolve and pray for grace not to have a single day without prayer in our lives. God bless you.
perseverance in prayer
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