SATURDAY HOMILY: 32ND WEEK IN ORDINARY TIME YEAR II.
THEME: PERSEVERE IN PRAYER
BY: FR GERALD M. MUSA
There are times when we are too frightened, fainthearted, and angry to pray. Jesus gave an example of a powerless widow who was denied justice. She decided to seek justice from a corrupt and unscrupulous judge. She was relentless, persistent, and persevered in her pursuit of justice until her request was granted. The story of the widow teaches us the importance of patience, confidence, consistency, and perseverance in prayer. We easily lose hope after praying for a short while and we begin to ask: Is God listening? God, where are you? Soon after, our voices become faint and we pull out. A man wore a crucifix on his neck and inserted a magical charm in his pocket. He was asked why he had. to combine two opposing forces on his body. He responded, the crucifix represents the power of God which works more powerfully but slowly and the magical charm represents the power of the devil which works instantly but lasts only shortly. He says, he seeks God’s intervention in matters that are not urgent and the devil’s assistance in urgent situations.
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Likewise, many people are more attracted to prayer houses that offer them instant wealth and quick answers. In doing so, they miss the lasting gifts of God which come slowly, steadily, and with a lasting effect. What kind of attitude do we put up when we do not get immediate and rapid answers to our prayers? Do we persevere in prayers even in difficult moments?
LUKE 18:1-8
