October 17, 2010
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
After telling a parable about always praying and not losing heart, Jesus ponders: "But when the Son of Man comes will he find faith on earth?" Jesus knows that we can grow weary in prayer. We can rephrase his question: "But when the Son of Man comes will he find faith under the earth?" 33 Chilean miners were rescued after being entombed for 69 days. Can anyone promise that he/she would persevere in prayer facing hunger and starvation -- a slow death? Can we continue praying in a dire situation of discord and despair? The parable tells the story of a powerless widow facing an unscrupulous judge. Jesus draws the contrast. If the judge, who cares neither for God nor his fellow man, eventually addresses the widow's just petition, will not God hear our prayerful appeals? Many may wonder after years of prayer if God does hear and respond as we cry out to him. We often understand prayer as contrition and petition e.g. saying we are sorry and asking God for something. Can we come to a deeper appreciation that prayer is more than asking for something that we desire dearly but for asking for communion with God? We celebrated the feast of St. Teresa of Avila on Oct 15. She wrote that "prayer is friendly conversation and silence with the One who loves us." In facing adversity, prayer is answered. God is with us in Jesus Christ!
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28th Sunday in Ordinary Time
