How do we sound when we pray? A spiritual director shared that she had asked people to record themselves in their prayer. She maintained that the spiritual life could be deepened through listening to one’s prayer. For example, if a person found that in prayer, the world was blamed for problems, he or she might move blame to gratitude and humility. Praying “be merciful to me a sinner,” the tax collector stood before God with humility. He knew his place before God.
“When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” The parable that Jesus tells shows how the woman persisted in seeking a judgment. Do we give up on God when we petition him and are not presented with what we desire? Jesus relates that people of faith always seek God.
How could faith so small as a mustard seed make a difference? After the Lord tells of what such an amount of faith can do, he relates an account of a master and a servant. It is expected that the servant will wait on the master, no matter how weary the servant is. So, too, we are to continue to follow the Lord, no matter our trials. We do no ask for a reward, for this is what is expected of us. Let us nurture our seed of faith so it grows until we are ready for heaven.
Sadly, the chasm between the rich and poor continues today. As we ponder the Gospel, we need to consider whether we have become indifferent to the suffering of others. The Lord hears the cry of the poor. It is up to us to answer their pleas.
“You cannot serve God and mammon.” This is a difficult saying for us, for it is tempting to think that we can be good disciples while also aiming to enjoy riches. Jesus makes the point that we need to be aware of where we focus our thoughts. Is our vision aimed on God or an idol? As we deepen our faith commitment, we devote more of our lives to God’s ways. It may take a lifetime to be completely in service to God, but we need to keep that central to our being.
Cyprian and Cornelius struggled for unity in the Church, seeking to keep members together in spite of theological controversies and persecutions form emperors. In this pastoral letter, we hear of the need to do well and please God, to lead a “tranquil life in all devotion and dignity.” Though difficulties face us, we seek wisdom so that our life becomes a prayer of thanksgiving that God glorifies.
Today’s readings invites us to reflect on what possesses us and what we need to do to leave behind to love the Lord fully. What do you value in your life? Do you value any of those things or people more than you value the Lord? A scene from the 1986 movie The Mission vividly portrays the need to cut out what holds us back from climbing the mountain of the Lord. We do not go to heaven with what weighs us down. What is the Lord inviting you to let go during this day?
“Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” It is good for us to reflect on our humility. Those who are humble are aware of their relationship with God and others. They do not pretend to be greater than or less than another. Truly great leaders know that they are in relationship with those they serve. When Jesus washed the feet of the Apostles, he taught them that servant leaders humble themselves. Whom do you need to assist today? How will that help another see God in their midst?
“I do not know where you are from.” Jesus knows those who have lived as he commanded. Calling ourselves Christians and abiding minimally to the faith does not merit a person the Kingdom of God. Jesus tells his followers to enter by the narrow gate. Have you confirmed your life through Christ’s? Have you done the hard work of getting to know him by bringing him into your heart?
Jesus reminds us that responding as a Christian sometimes stirs up anger and resentment in family and friends. While peace will come with the Kingdom of God, doing the will of God may cause rifts among loved ones. Those that are closest to us will sometimes disagree on the necessity of following the path of righteousness. They may desire to take an easier way and want us to do so also. At such times, we need to be sure to find our peace in God, not in humankind. God will always be refuge and aid.