The WORD in other words (2022) by Fr Patricio de los Reyes, SVD — HNU, Tagbilaran City, Bohol
29th Sunday in Ordinary Time / C
When St. Teresa of Calcutta was asked to gauge the success of her ministry to the poorest of the poor, she replied that success is not important in her ministry. Her ministry, she believed, is all about faithfulness. St. Teresa of Calcutta remained faithful to what she had learnt and believed. This is what all the readings are urging us all: to be faithful.
Prayer, the most important aspect of a believer’s life, should become a constant endeavor in order to remain faithful.
A classmate of mine in first-year college submitted a term paper that researched on the reasons why priests leave the priesthood. The first reason was lack of or no prayer life anymore. It means no more connection with God, no more link with Jesus, who is the lead and guide in the priesthood. No Jesus Christ the Light means being in darkness.
That is why he taught his disciples to pray to remain faithful; to pray without ceasing, and not get tired, to pray in order not to sever the connection with God, with Jesus. These days, people become more worried when the internet connection is lost but are less worried when their connection with God is lost. The Sacrament of Reconciliation has become unpopular.
I believe that God does not delay answering our prayers. Perhaps, we have become unfaithful and, as a result, have become unmindful that when I become weary in prayer, there is help. I need only to be patient in prayer to remain faithful despite all the obstacles and challenges like St. Teresa of Calcutta.
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