Homily (Reflection) for Thursday of the Eleventh Week in
Ordinary Time (II) (16th June, 2016) on the Gospel
Sir 48:1-14;
Ps 96:1-7. (R. v.12);Matt 6:7-15.
Topic: Step 1 towards prayer.
How a request is made contributes considerably to its being
received favourably or not. As a result, before approaching anyone for
assistance, one of the things people get clear in their heads is how best to do
the presentation. Sometimes people meet either those close to the people or those
whose requests were granted for advice.
Saint John’s gospel reads: “No one has ever seen God; the
only Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, he has made him known” (Jn 1:18). Again, “No one has ascended
into heaven but he who descended from heaven, the Son of man” (Jn 3:13). That only Son who knows the
best way to the Father’s heart thought us how best to achieve this. In today’s gospel,
He started with the first step, “When you are praying, do not heap up empty
phrases as the Gentiles do; for they think that they will be heard because of
their many words.” He emphasized, “Do not be like them....”
Do you think we follow this advice while praying today? What about
shouting as if God hears more readily those who shout more than others? Where is
the difference between Christian prayers and that of the prophets of Baal, cf. 1Kg 18:26-29. Jesus also said, “... your
Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
Whoever fails this first step most certainly will end up not
praying to God. We remember the prayers of the Pharisee and the tax collector.
The Pharisee heaped up empty phrases in the name of prayer, cf. Lk 18:11-12. On the other hand, although
the tax collector uttered just a sentence but God heard him, cf. Lk 18:13-14.
Our help comes from the LORD, cf. Ps 121:2. He works for those who wait for him, cf. Is 64:4. Let us wait for Him praying as
Christians and not Gentiles. He is our refuge, cf. Ps 62:8.
Bible Reading: Ps
121:1-8; Lk 18:9-14.
Thought for today: Our help comes from the Lord, cf. Ps 121:2.
Let us pray: Lord, help us to pray as you have
thought us – Amen.
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