Prayer always transforms reality

August 6, 2020

Of course, these affirmations disconcert us, because many of our prayers seem not to obtain any results.

How often have we asked and not received we have all experienced this how many times have we knocked and found a closed door?
Jesus advises us, in those moments, to persist and to not give up. Prayer always transforms reality, always. If things around us do not change, at least we change; our heart changes. Jesus promised the gift of the Holy Spirit to each man and to each woman who prays.

We can be certain that God will respond. The only uncertainty is due to time, but let us not doubt that he will respond. Perhaps we will have to persist for our whole life, but he will respond. He promised us this: he is not like a father who gives a serpent instead of a fish. There is nothing more certain: the desire for happiness which we all carry in our heart will one day be fulfilled.

Jesus asks: “Will God not vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night?” (Lk 18:7).

Yes, he will mete out justice; he will hear us. What a day of glory and resurrection that day will be!

Henceforth, praying is victory over solitude and desperation. Praying. Prayer transforms reality; let us not forget this. It either changes things or changes our heart, but it always transforms. Henceforth, praying is victory over solitude and desperation. It is like seeing every fragment of creation teeming amid the listlessness of a history whose meaning we sometimes fail to grasp.

• But it is in motion, it is on a journey, and at the end of every road, what is there at the end of our road?
• At the end of prayer, at the end of the time in which we are praying, at life’s end: what is there?

There is a Father who awaits everything and everyone with arms wide open. Let us look to this Father.

Source: Pope Francis’ catecheses on the Lord’s Prayer, given during general audiences between Dec. 5, 2018 and May 22, 2019.

Message from Father Robert Tywoniak

Blessed Sacrament Church

The Still Small Voice.
Such a Comfort.

How often is the wind against us?!
Right now, most of the time. These are difficult times and more so for some. But, listen for the still small voice of God. Call out, “Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.”

In the gospel story Jesus’ apostles were up against a great head wind as they took to the sea. Even for these experienced fishers it was a fearful experience. More frightening was seeing Jesus walking on the water toward them. Admit it. If Jesus started walking toward you on the water, it would not be ordinary in the least.

As already stated, times are difficult. Some of you are without work. Others of you have too much work. Parents, you are besides yourselves. What can you do with your children this school year? They will be stay at home students for the near future at least. Others of you have experienced being sick with the virus. No one likes “the mask.” Then, there are you who have experienced the death of a loved one during this time. There are those of you who risk your lives taking care of the sick and keeping the public safe in times of trouble. If you are a person of color, it’s all “another day of the same old’”.

Folks, regardless where you stand in the above list, turn to Jesus! Truly. Hear the words of the gospel.

“Come.” “Do not be afraid.” “It is I.” “Take courage.”

God is aware of the challenges. He is ready to assist. The Lord shows up. He is an on-time God. Just when you are at the end of your resources God has something to offer. Please, take him up on the offer! “Take courage, it is I; do not be afraid.” “Come.”

These words are not a scolding. They are encouragement as you seek solace and strength. Seeking this is a sign you actually are going in the right direction. So, let God sooth you for the moment. You can work on all the logistics of life later. Rest a bit at Sunday Liturgy or take a moment now for a short prayer.

God does challenge us. It is necessary. We may not be complacent and permit greed and avarice of others to continue. We must invent the newer ways to respond in God’s love. But now, experience the awesomeness of God’s quiet love for you as Elijah did. Look at the first reading from 1 Kings.

Elijah took shelter in a cave up on Mont Horeb. Surely the troubles of his office got to him. All the responsibility was great. At God’s suggestion Elijah took up position outside the cave. He waited for the Lord to pass by.

All types of fearful signs took place. God, however, came along in a calm, subtle manner. “…There was a tiny whispering sound.” Elijah hid his face and listened to the still small voice. The voice of God. In the midst of it all it was a comfort.

God is so awesome we cannot stand to look at him. We hide our face like a child who believes he disappears from sight when threatened. This is an expression of awe before God. Awe is fine but trepidation is not needed. God whispers to us his love.

As stated earlier, we will work on the logistics of overcoming all the challenges. But for now, let God pass by in the whisper. Tell God you are present to Him. Welcome Him. Say, “Lord, Jesus Christ, have mercy on me a sinner.” Repeat it several times.

What a comfort.

Father Robert Tywoniak
Pastor