Saturday of the Thirty-second Week in Ordinary Time
Lectionary: 496
Lectionary: 496
When peaceful
stillness compassed everything
and the night in its swift course was half spent,
Your all-powerful word, from heaven’s royal throne
bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land,
bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree.
And as he alighted, he filled every place with death;
he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth.
For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew,
serving its natural laws,
that your children might be preserved unharmed.
The cloud overshadowed their camp;
and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging:
Out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road,
and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood.
Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by your hand,
after they beheld stupendous wonders.
For they ranged about like horses,
and bounded about like lambs,
praising you, O Lord! their deliverer.
and the night in its swift course was half spent,
Your all-powerful word, from heaven’s royal throne
bounded, a fierce warrior, into the doomed land,
bearing the sharp sword of your inexorable decree.
And as he alighted, he filled every place with death;
he still reached to heaven, while he stood upon the earth.
For all creation, in its several kinds, was being made over anew,
serving its natural laws,
that your children might be preserved unharmed.
The cloud overshadowed their camp;
and out of what had before been water, dry land was seen emerging:
Out of the Red Sea an unimpeded road,
and a grassy plain out of the mighty flood.
Over this crossed the whole nation sheltered by your hand,
after they beheld stupendous wonders.
For they ranged about like horses,
and bounded about like lambs,
praising you, O Lord! their deliverer.
Responsorial PsalmPS 105:2-3, 36-37, 42-43
R. (5a) Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Then he struck every first born throughout their land,
the first fruits of all their manhood.
And he led them forth laden with silver and gold,
with not a weakling among their tribes.
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
For he remembered his holy word
to his servant Abraham.
And he led forth his people with joy;
with shouts of joy, his chosen ones.
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
or:
R. Alleluia.
Sing to him, sing his praise,
proclaim all his wondrous deeds.
Glory in his holy name;
rejoice, O hearts that seek the LORD!
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
Then he struck every first born throughout their land,
the first fruits of all their manhood.
And he led them forth laden with silver and gold,
with not a weakling among their tribes.
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
For he remembered his holy word
to his servant Abraham.
And he led forth his people with joy;
with shouts of joy, his chosen ones.
R. Remember the marvels the Lord has done!
or:
R. Alleluia.
GospelLK 18:1-8
Jesus told his
disciples a parable
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, “There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.’”
The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.
He said, “There was a judge in a certain town
who neither feared God nor respected any human being.
And a widow in that town used to come to him and say,
‘Render a just decision for me against my adversary.’
For a long time the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought,
‘While it is true that I neither fear God nor respect any human being,
because this widow keeps bothering me
I shall deliver a just decision for her
lest she finally come and strike me.’”
The Lord said, “Pay attention to what the dishonest judge says.
Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night?
Will he be slow to answer them?
I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily.
But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?”
Meditation: "Always pray and do not lose
heart"
What can
a shameless and unjust judge pitted against a crusty and pestering woman teach
us about justice and vindication in the kingdom of God? Jesus tells a story
that is all too true – a defenseless widow is taken advantaged of and refused
her rights. Through sheer persistence she wears down an unscrupulous judge
until he gives her justice. Persistence pays off, and that's especially true
for those who trust in God. Jesus illustrates how God as our Judge is much
quicker to bring us his justice, blessing, and help when we need it. But we can
easily lose heart and forget to ask our heavenly Father for his grace and help.
Jesus told this parable to give fresh hope and confidence to his disciples. In
this present life we can expect trials and adversity, but we are not without
hope in God. The Last Judgment will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all
the injustices perpetrated by his creatures and that God's love is stronger
than death (Song of Songs 8:6). The just who put their trust in God can look
forward with hope to that day when they will receive their reward.
Jesus
ends his parable with a probing question for us. Will you and I have faith –
the faith that perseveres to the end – when Jesus returns in glory to judge the
living and the dead? Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to us. If we
want to live, grow, and persevere in faith until the end, then we must nourish
our faith with the word of God and ask the Lord to increase it (Luke 17:5).
When trials and setbacks disappoint you, where do you place your hope? Do you
pray with expectant faith and confidence in God's merciful care and providence
for you?
"Lord
Jesus, make my faith strong that I may never doubt your promises. When I face
trials and difficulties, help me to trust in your unfailing love and to find
joy and contentment in you alone."
 Pray With Faith |
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Saturday of the
Thirty-Second Week in Ordinary Time
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Father Edward
Hopkins, LC
Luke 18:1-8
Then Jesus told them a parable about the
necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary. He said,
"There was a judge in a certain town who neither feared God nor
respected any human being. And a widow in that town used to come to him and
say, ´Render a just decision for me against my adversary.´ For a long time
the judge was unwilling, but eventually he thought, ´While it is true that I
neither fear God nor respect any human being, because this widow keeps
bothering me I shall deliver a just decision for her lest she finally come
and strike me.´" The Lord said, "Pay attention to what the
dishonest judge says. Will not God then secure the rights of his chosen ones
who call out to him day and night? Will he be slow to answer them? I tell
you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the
Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?"
Introductory Prayer: I believe in you, Lord, for you are mine and
have proved your love for me. I trust you, for you have never let me down and
know what is best for my life. I love you Lord for all your gifts. I desire
to love and to do your will.
Petition: Teach me to pray always, Lord.
1. Becoming Weary: We can become weary in prayer when we don’t
see results. This happens because either we have a distorted idea of prayer,
or we have taken on worldly views that undermine our appreciation for its
true value, or simply because we experience what seems to be failure in
prayer (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church, nos. 2726-2728). Prayer is a
gift and comes from the Holy Spirit. It is neither a machine nor a magic
formula. It requires effort on our part, for it is an act of love,
self-giving. Prayer works if I persevere and allow God to act. Sometimes I
will not see its effects. To continue to seek God in prayer is already the
best fruit of prayer. Do I depend on him?
2. The Judge: If prayer is about giving myself and
depending more on God, then it becomes a question of how I understand God. I
depend only on those I trust, and I trust only those who have proven their
love and ability to support me. Do I really believe God is all good,
all-loving and all-powerful? Do I believe he cares about me? God for us is a
judge, but so much more. He is first of all a loving father and a dedicated,
unconditional savior and lover. As a loving Father he wants our trusting
dependence. He wants us to believe.
3. The Chosen Ones: Who are we for God? We are more than simple
creatures, more than worthless slaves. We are beloved children, for whom he
died and to whom he gives everything. We are the frustrated scholars and
broken lovers that he desires to raise up to share his infinite truth and
love. We are chosen ones, chosen for him, for happiness, forever. Out of the
darkness and slavery of sin, he frees us so that his glory will shine in us.
Now, if we are all this and more for God, why do we doubt in prayer? Let us
place all our confidence in him.
Conversation with Christ: Dear Lord Jesus, increase my knowledge of
your love for me. Help me to trust you in my everyday life. Open my heart to
persevere in prayer. Grant me the humility to see how I need to pray, always
and in so many ways. Teach me what prayer is and how to do it well for love
of you.
Resolution: Throughout the day, I will dedicate myself
to simple, small invocations and prayers that express my love, gratitude and
trust in God.
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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16, LUKE 18:1-8
(Wisdom 18:14-16, 19:6-9; Psalm 105)
(Wisdom 18:14-16, 19:6-9; Psalm 105)
KEY VERSE: "He told them a parable about the necessity of praying always and not losing heart" (v 1).
READING: Jesus told his disciples a parable to encourage them to persevere in prayer as they labored to build God's kingdom. In this story, a widow pleaded with a judge for her rights. Such judges may have been appointed either by Herod or by the Romans They were popularly called 'robber judges' as they disregarded both God's law and human need. Unless plaintiffs had influence and money to bribe the judge there was no hope of ever getting their cases settled. Widows were especially poor and defenseless members of society (Deut 10:18; 14:29; 16:11). Without support of a husband and lacking resources of any kind, they had no hope of expecting justice. However, in Jesus' story, the widow persisted in her demand to be heard, and the judge finally relented. Jesus said, if this hardhearted individual could be moved, how much more would God’s children be given what they needed? Jesus asks a hard question. When he returns in glory, will he find any faith on the earth?
REFLECTING: Do I support just legislation on behalf of the poor, immigrants and the defenseless?
PRAYING: Lord God, hear the prayers of those who are treated unjustly.
November 16, Optional Memorial of Margaret of
Scotland
Margaret, Queen of Scotland, was the granddaughter of King
Edmund Ironside of England, and the great-niece of St Stephen of Hungary. She
was born in Hungary while her family was in exile due to the Danish invasion of
England. While fleeing the invading army of William the Conqueror in 1066, her
family's ship wrecked on the Scottish coast. They were assisted by King Malcolm
III Canmore of Scotland whom Margaret married in 1070. They had eight children;
one was St Maud, wife of Henry I. Margaret founded abbeys and used her position
to work for justice and to improve the conditions of the poor.
November 16, Optional Memorial of Gertrude,
Virgin
Gertrude was raised in the Cistercian abbey of Helfta,
Eisleben, Saxony from age 5. She was an extremely bright student, and gentle
person. When she became too enamored of philosophy, she received a vision of
Christ who reproached her. From then on she studied the Bible and the works of
the Church Fathers. She received many visions and mystical instruction, which
formed the basis of her writings. She helped spread devotion to the Sacred
Heart. Her writings have been greatly praised by St Teresa and St Francis de
Sales, and continue in print today.
Remember the marvels the Lord has done.
Then he told them a parable about the need to pray continually and
never lose heart.Dear Lord, what comforting words you use today. We know that prayer does not mean asking all the time but it does mean recognising our need of you and seeing your love and help in every aspect of our lives. We read those wonderful words in Wisdom that you turned the water into a dry plain and, sheltered by you, a whole nation passed across with the result that your people skipped like lambs singing your praises. Teach us to be so happy and grateful with you in our lives that we skip like lambs even if it has to be metaphoric. Teach us to say thank you continually for all you do for us and to be joyful in your love.
November 16
St. Margaret of Scotland
(1050?-1093)
St. Margaret of Scotland
(1050?-1093)
Margaret of Scotland was a truly liberated woman in the sense that
she was free to be herself. For her, that meant freedom to love God and serve
others.
Not
Scottish by birth, Margaret was the daughter of Princess Agatha of Hungary and
the Anglo-Saxon Prince Edward Atheling. She spent much of her youth in the
court of her great-uncle, the English king, Edward the Confessor. Her family
fled from William the Conqueror and was shipwrecked off the coast of Scotland.
King Malcolm befriended them and was captivated by the beautiful, gracious
Margaret. They were married at the castle of Dunfermline in 1070.
Malcolm
was good-hearted, but rough and uncultured, as was his country. Because of
Malcolm’s love for Margaret, she was able to soften his temper, polish his manners
and help him become a virtuous king. He left all domestic affairs to her and
often consulted her in state matters.
Margaret
tried to improve her adopted country by promoting the arts and education. For
religious reform she encouraged synods and was present for the discussions
which tried to correct religious abuses common among priests and lay people,
such as simony, usury and incestuous marriages. With her husband, she founded
several churches.
Margaret
was not only a queen, but a mother. She and Malcolm had six sons and two
daughters. Margaret personally supervised their religious instruction and other
studies.
Although
she was very much caught up in the affairs of the household and country, she
remained detached from the world. Her private life was austere. She had certain
times for prayer and reading Scripture. She ate sparingly and slept little in
order to have time for devotions. She and Malcolm kept two Lents, one before
Easter and one before Christmas. During these times she always rose at midnight
for Mass. On the way home she would wash the feet of six poor persons and give
them alms. She was always surrounded by beggars in public and never refused
them. It is recorded that she never sat down to eat without first feeding nine
orphans and 24 adults.
In 1093,
King William Rufus made a surprise attack on Alnwick castle. King Malcolm and
his oldest son, Edward, were killed. Margaret, already on her deathbed, died
four days after her husband.
Comment:
There are two ways to be charitable: the "clean way" and the "messy way." The "clean way" is to give money or clothing to organizations that serve the poor. The "messy way" is dirtying your own hands in personal service to the poor. Margaret's outstanding virtue was her love of the poor. Although very generous with material gifts, Margaret also visited the sick and nursed them with her own hands. She and her husband served orphans and the poor on their knees during Advent and Lent. Like Christ, she was charitable the "messy way."
There are two ways to be charitable: the "clean way" and the "messy way." The "clean way" is to give money or clothing to organizations that serve the poor. The "messy way" is dirtying your own hands in personal service to the poor. Margaret's outstanding virtue was her love of the poor. Although very generous with material gifts, Margaret also visited the sick and nursed them with her own hands. She and her husband served orphans and the poor on their knees during Advent and Lent. Like Christ, she was charitable the "messy way."
Quote:
"When [Margaret] spoke, her conversation was with the salt of wisdom. When she was silent, her silence was filled with good thoughts. So thoroughly did her outward bearing correspond with the staidness of her character that it seemed as if she has been born the pattern of a virtuous life" (Turgot, St. Margaret's confessor).
"When [Margaret] spoke, her conversation was with the salt of wisdom. When she was silent, her silence was filled with good thoughts. So thoroughly did her outward bearing correspond with the staidness of her character that it seemed as if she has been born the pattern of a virtuous life" (Turgot, St. Margaret's confessor).
LECTIO: LUKE
18,1-8
Lectio:
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Ordinary Time
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1) Opening prayer
God of power and mercy,
protect us from all harm.
Give us freedom of spirit
and health in mind and body
to do your work on earth.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
protect us from all harm.
Give us freedom of spirit
and health in mind and body
to do your work on earth.
We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit,
one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
2) Gospel reading - Luke 18,1-8
Jesus said to his disciples a parable about the need to pray
continually and never lose heart. 'There was a judge in a certain town,' he
said, 'who had neither fear of God nor respect for anyone. In the same town
there was also a widow who kept on coming to him and saying, "I want
justice from you against my enemy!" For a long time he refused, but at
last he said to himself, "Even though I have neither fear of God nor
respect for any human person, I must give this widow her just rights since she
keeps pestering me, or she will come and slap me in the face." '
And the Lord said, 'You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still delays to help them?
I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of man comes, will he find any faith on earth?'
And the Lord said, 'You notice what the unjust judge has to say? Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still delays to help them?
I promise you, he will see justice done to them, and done speedily. But when the Son of man comes, will he find any faith on earth?'
3) Reflection
• Today’s Gospel presents an element which is very dear to Luke:
Prayer. This is the second time that Luke gives us the words of Jesus to teach
us to pray. The first time (Lk 11, 1-13), he taught us the Our Father and, by
means of comparisons and parables, he taught that we have to pray insistently,
without getting tired. Now, this second time, (Lk 18,1-8), again he has
recourse to a parable taken from life so as to teach us insistence in prayer.
It is the parable of the widow who pestered the judge who was unscrupulous. The
way in which he presents the parable is very didactic. In the first place, Luke
presents a brief introduction which serves as the key for the reading. Then he
narrates the parable. At the end, Jesus himself explains it:
• Luke 18, 1: The introduction. Luke presents the parable with the following phrase: “Then he told them a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart". The recommendation “to pray without losing heart” appears many times in the New Testament (1 Th 5, 17; Rm 12, 12; Ep 6, 18; etc). And it is a characteristic of the spirituality of the first Christian communities.
• Luke 18, 2-5: The parable. Then Jesus presents two personages of real life: a judge who had no consideration for God and no consideration for others, and a widow who struggles to obtain her rights from the judge. The simple fact of indicating these two personages reveals the critical conscience which he had regarding the society of his time. The parable presents the poor people who struggle in the tribunal to obtain their rights. The judge decides to pay attention to the widow and to do justice. The reason is the following: in order to free himself from the widow who is pestering him and to get rid of her. This is a quite interesting reason. But the widow obtained what she wanted! This is a fact of daily life, which Jesus uses to teach to pray.
• Luke 18, 6-8: the application. Jesus applies the parable: “You notice what the unjust judge has said. Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still delays to help them? Will he make them wait long? I tell you he will see justice done to them, and done speedily”. If it had not been Jesus we would not have had the courage to compare Jesus to an unjust judge! And at the end Jesus expresses a doubt: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Or rather, will we have the courage to wait, to have patience, even if God delays in doing what we ask him?
• Jesus in prayer. The first Christians had an image of Jesus in prayer, in permanent contact with the Father. In fact, the breathing of the life of Jesus was to do the Will of the Father (Jn 5, 19). Jesus prayed very much and insisted, in order that people and his disciples also pray. And this because it is in confronting oneself with God that truth emerges and the person finds himself/herself in his/her whole reality and humility. Luke is the Evangelist who gives us more information on the life of prayer of Jesus. He presents Jesus in constant prayer. The following are some moments in which Jesus appears praying. You, all of you can complete the list:
- When he was twelve years old and goes to the Temple, to the House of the Father (Lk 2, 46-50).
- He prays when he is baptized and in assuming his mission (Lk 3, 21).
- At the beginning of the mission, he spends forty days in the desert (Lk 4, 1-2).
- At the hour of temptation, he faces the devil with the texts from Scripture (Lk 4, 3-12).
- Jesus used to participate in the celebration in the Synagogue on Saturday (Lk 4, 16)
- He seeks solitude in the desert to pray (Lk 5, 16; 9, 18).
- Before choosing the twelve Apostles, he spends the night in prayer (Lk 6, 12).
- He prays before meals (Lk 9, 16; 24, 30).
- He prays before the Passion and when facing reality (Lk 9, 18).
- In time of crises, he goes up to the mountain and is transfigured when he prays (Lk 9, 28).
- When he revealed the Gospel to the little ones he says: “Father, I thank you!” (Lk 10, 21)
- In praying, he arouses in the Apostles the desire to pray (Lk 11, 1).
- He prays for Peter so that he does not lose his faith (Lk 22, 32).
- He celebrates the Paschal Supper with his disciples (Lk 22, 7-14).
- In the Garden of Olives, he prays, even when sweating blood (Lk 22, 41-42).
- In the anguish of the agony, he asks his friends to pray with him (Lk 22, 40.46).
- At the moment when he was being nailed to the Cross, he asks pardon for the murderers (Lk 23, 34).
- At the hour of death he says: “Into your hands I commend my spirit!” (Lk 23, 46; Ps 31, 6)
- Jesus dies crying out with the cry of the poor (Lk 23, 46).
• This long list indicates everything which follows. For Jesus prayer is intimately linked to life, to concrete facts, to the decisions which he had to take. In order to be able to be faithful to the project of the Father, he sought to remain alone with Him. He listened to Him. In difficult and decisive moments in his life, Jesus recited Psalms. Just as any devout Jew, he knew them by heart. The recitation of the Psalms did not take away his creativity. Rather, Jesus himself created a Psalm which he transmitted to us: the Our Father. His life is a permanent prayer: “I always seek the will of the one who sent me!” (Jn 5, 19.30) To him is applied what the Psalm says: “I am prayer!” (Ps 109, 4)
• Luke 18, 1: The introduction. Luke presents the parable with the following phrase: “Then he told them a parable about the need to pray continually and never lose heart". The recommendation “to pray without losing heart” appears many times in the New Testament (1 Th 5, 17; Rm 12, 12; Ep 6, 18; etc). And it is a characteristic of the spirituality of the first Christian communities.
• Luke 18, 2-5: The parable. Then Jesus presents two personages of real life: a judge who had no consideration for God and no consideration for others, and a widow who struggles to obtain her rights from the judge. The simple fact of indicating these two personages reveals the critical conscience which he had regarding the society of his time. The parable presents the poor people who struggle in the tribunal to obtain their rights. The judge decides to pay attention to the widow and to do justice. The reason is the following: in order to free himself from the widow who is pestering him and to get rid of her. This is a quite interesting reason. But the widow obtained what she wanted! This is a fact of daily life, which Jesus uses to teach to pray.
• Luke 18, 6-8: the application. Jesus applies the parable: “You notice what the unjust judge has said. Now, will not God see justice done to his elect if they keep calling to him day and night even though he still delays to help them? Will he make them wait long? I tell you he will see justice done to them, and done speedily”. If it had not been Jesus we would not have had the courage to compare Jesus to an unjust judge! And at the end Jesus expresses a doubt: “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Or rather, will we have the courage to wait, to have patience, even if God delays in doing what we ask him?
• Jesus in prayer. The first Christians had an image of Jesus in prayer, in permanent contact with the Father. In fact, the breathing of the life of Jesus was to do the Will of the Father (Jn 5, 19). Jesus prayed very much and insisted, in order that people and his disciples also pray. And this because it is in confronting oneself with God that truth emerges and the person finds himself/herself in his/her whole reality and humility. Luke is the Evangelist who gives us more information on the life of prayer of Jesus. He presents Jesus in constant prayer. The following are some moments in which Jesus appears praying. You, all of you can complete the list:
- When he was twelve years old and goes to the Temple, to the House of the Father (Lk 2, 46-50).
- He prays when he is baptized and in assuming his mission (Lk 3, 21).
- At the beginning of the mission, he spends forty days in the desert (Lk 4, 1-2).
- At the hour of temptation, he faces the devil with the texts from Scripture (Lk 4, 3-12).
- Jesus used to participate in the celebration in the Synagogue on Saturday (Lk 4, 16)
- He seeks solitude in the desert to pray (Lk 5, 16; 9, 18).
- Before choosing the twelve Apostles, he spends the night in prayer (Lk 6, 12).
- He prays before meals (Lk 9, 16; 24, 30).
- He prays before the Passion and when facing reality (Lk 9, 18).
- In time of crises, he goes up to the mountain and is transfigured when he prays (Lk 9, 28).
- When he revealed the Gospel to the little ones he says: “Father, I thank you!” (Lk 10, 21)
- In praying, he arouses in the Apostles the desire to pray (Lk 11, 1).
- He prays for Peter so that he does not lose his faith (Lk 22, 32).
- He celebrates the Paschal Supper with his disciples (Lk 22, 7-14).
- In the Garden of Olives, he prays, even when sweating blood (Lk 22, 41-42).
- In the anguish of the agony, he asks his friends to pray with him (Lk 22, 40.46).
- At the moment when he was being nailed to the Cross, he asks pardon for the murderers (Lk 23, 34).
- At the hour of death he says: “Into your hands I commend my spirit!” (Lk 23, 46; Ps 31, 6)
- Jesus dies crying out with the cry of the poor (Lk 23, 46).
• This long list indicates everything which follows. For Jesus prayer is intimately linked to life, to concrete facts, to the decisions which he had to take. In order to be able to be faithful to the project of the Father, he sought to remain alone with Him. He listened to Him. In difficult and decisive moments in his life, Jesus recited Psalms. Just as any devout Jew, he knew them by heart. The recitation of the Psalms did not take away his creativity. Rather, Jesus himself created a Psalm which he transmitted to us: the Our Father. His life is a permanent prayer: “I always seek the will of the one who sent me!” (Jn 5, 19.30) To him is applied what the Psalm says: “I am prayer!” (Ps 109, 4)
4) Personal questions
• There are people who say that they do not know how to pray,
but they speak with God the whole day! Do you know any such persons? Tell us.
There are many ways in which today people express their devotion and pray.
Which are they?
• What do these two parables teach us on prayer? What do they teach me regarding the way of seeing life and persons?
• What do these two parables teach us on prayer? What do they teach me regarding the way of seeing life and persons?
5) Concluding prayer
How blessed is anyone who fears Yahweh,
who delights in his commandments!
His descendants shall be powerful on earth,
the race of the honest shall receive blessings. (Ps 112,1-2)
who delights in his commandments!
His descendants shall be powerful on earth,
the race of the honest shall receive blessings. (Ps 112,1-2)
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