The WORD in other words (2006) by Father Ed Fugoso SVD – SVD Retreat House, Tagaytay City
Thursday 11th Week in Ordinary Time
In Bishop Chito Tagle’s talk on The Church in Asia (Ecclesia in Asia), he pointed out that Christians in Asia seem to have lost the contemplative dimension of spirituality. Often, when religious formators are sent for further studies in spirituality, they are sent not to Christian institutes but to Hindu or Buddhist gurus to learn contemplation. This reveals a weakness in our Christian practice of prayer. What we often have is a “loud” kind of spirituality, manifested in our church structures, liturgies, and symbols.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus discourages us from using a “loud” style of praying: “When you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:7–8). Instead, He teaches us how to pray correctly and effectively — to our Father in heaven, with sincerity and trust.
Points for Reflection
- Gratitude in prayer: Authentic Christians are grateful persons. Beyond the correct manner of praying, what are the contents of our prayers? Do they reflect thanksgiving, or only petitions?
- Listening in prayer: In our prayers, are we more of a talker or a listener? Prayer is not only speaking to God but also listening to Him in silence.
