Thursday, July 2, 2009

Ask. For God surely Hears Prayer

  1. "Abraham was greatly distressed... but God said..." (Gen 21:11 & 12)
  2. "He (Ishmael) began to cry. God heard the boy's cry." (Gen 21:16 & 17)
  3. "The demons pleaded with Him." (Mt. 8:31)
  4. "They (the townspeople) begged Him to leave." (Mt 8:34)

We see from Wednesday's readings four very different requests. God hears and answers prayer.

First God hears the distress in Abraham and promises to take care of Ishmael. Secondly, Ishmael is dying of thirst in the wilderness and God sends his angel, who reveals to Hagar the hidden well. In the third scenario, the demons prayed to Jesus asking him not to send them out. They ask to go into the swine. Jesus grants their prayer. Fourthly, the townspeople, upon seeing Jesus, beg Him to leave their presence. (How often do we, too, ask Jesus to leave our presence ?)

Here are four accounts of God hearing and answering. "Ask and you shall receive." (Jn 16:24)

Reflections adapted from a homily on 7/1/9 by Fr. John Linden.

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Novena to the Holy Spirit

"Wait for the promise of the Father...you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you." Acts 1:5,6

Come Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created, and you shall renew the face of the earth.

Let us pray.

O, God, who by the light of the Holy Spirit, did instruct the hearts of the faithful, grant that by the same Holy Spirit we may be truly wise and ever enjoy His consolations. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.