NOVEMBER 15, 2003, HOMILY- LUKE 18:1-8

JESUS, BY MEANS OF A PARABLE, TOLD HIS DISCIPLES THAT THEY SHOULD PRAY ALWAYS AND NOTGET DISCOURAGED.  The teaching of Jesus on prayer was taken with great seriousness by his early disciples and has continued to serve as a stimulus and guide for the faithful followers ever since. The practice of prayer in the Church has been fashioned not only by our Lord’s express words on the subject, but also by his example. In the Gospel of St. John especially our Lord makes it clear that he always does in his acts what pleases the Father. There too he informs us that his doctrine is not his own but the Father’s who sent him. What this means is that the Savior engaged in one form or other of prayer when he carried out his ministry and when he taught and preached and spoke of the kingdom to various persons and groups. In short, he remained in continuous communion with the Father, aware of his presence, united with his will and implementing his plan of salvation.

Today’s text uses significant language in speaking of prayer. The Lord states that his disciples are to persevere in prayer at all times. Moreover, even when prayer is not answered promptly we must avoid discouragement, getting upset, questioning the value of prayer, even doubting its usefulness. This is not always as easy as it sounds. Any number of people become bitter, even leave off praying, give up their faith when prayer for the health or life of a loved one is not answered in keeping with their fervent, heartfelt prayer. Jesus is quite aware of this temptation. In fact, it would seem that he told this parable precisely to help overcome it. Rightly to grasp the message St. Luke wishes to convey here we need to note that just prior to this teaching he presents our Lord as speaking of the definitive coming of the kingdom which will be a time of testing. The church was subject to oppression and very serious persecution during the lifetime of the apostles and evangelists. The little flock, judged by human appearances and standards, was weak and unable to anything effective to put an end to such sufferings. Even in periods of respite, uncertainty as to when such pressure would be exerted again remained strong. Jesus’ words address this situation with the exhortation to remain constant in prayer, and be strong in faith.

Each of us must discover by experience the power inherent in a faith that refuses to yield to seeming indifference on God’s part. Jesus gave us the ultimate example of such prayer in his passion. On the cross he came to feel that he was deserted by the Father at his moment of greatest need. He accepted even that depth of anguish. Truly for our sake he was humbled to nothingness, even the death on the cross. His prayer was answered in the resurrection; the Father was supporting him most surely even while he felt totally abandoned. Yes, prayer is a great mystery that encompasses all of life and reaches beyond death itself. Essentially prayer is life, life in Christ, who loves us and gave himself for us that we might with him be ever with God our Father, in that perpetual prayer of praise and worship that is the joy of the children of the kingdom.

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