Persistence is
one of the hallmarks of Christian prayer.
Abraham is
persistent in interceding with God on behalf of the town of Sodom. Even so,
Sodom was destroyed because not even 10 righteous men could be found. Were
Abraham’s efforts in vain? Surely God knew the number of good people in the
doomed city so what was the point of Abraham’s persistence?
Jesus picks up
the same message in His parable of the midnight friend. Where friendship may
fail, persistence is rewarded.
God has entered
into a covenant with His children. He does not desire to act as a tyrant. When
we are persistent in prayer our desires become more in keeping with what God
wants for us. This gives God more freedom to act in our lives. Out of love for
us He is willing to allow Himself to be shaped by our prayers.
Persistence in
seeking God, in asking, in knocking at the door is necessary for God to open
the door as a Father to His children. God is ready to “give the Holy Spirit to
those who ask Him.”
But God does
not give this gift indiscriminately to those who seek Him half-heartedly.
Through our persistence we prove our hunger for His blessings. We show that we
genuinely long for and desire His love.
Through our
persistence in prayer, by showing God how much we desire to be with Him, we gain
confidence that He will answer every petition that is in accord with His will.
Pax Vobiscum
17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
No comments:
Post a Comment