32 week days mass reflection of the year 22

07 – 12 NOVEMBER 2022: HOLY MASS REFLECTION 07 NOVEMBER 2022: TITUS 1. 1-9; LUKE 17. 1-6 Thrust: Bad example is abominable! Indicative: No one has a right to give a bad example to others and it is punishable 1. We can highlight three main points for our reflection. One is the duty to avoid bad example. The second is the duty to give a good example. The third is the duty to do fraternal correction. First of all, the Lord is very serious and stern about setting bad example and scandal. It is not a silly thing and cannot be taken lightly. It is grave and so incurs a grave punishment, even to the extent of throwing the culpable person with a millstone into the sea. 2. It is so sad that day by day we are assaulted by scandals and bad examples. No sphere, no sector is an exception to this. What is all the more saddening is that those who cause them don't have even a bit of a prick of conscience. They even feel great and happy about it and justify it as a way of the world. Such a situation is deplorable. 3. In such a context, what should be the course of action? From the part of those who cause scandal, realisation, repentance, and change of life are required. They should be conscious of the gravity of their sin. They should realise that it cannot be justified as a mere individual weakness and fault. They should know that it has a pervasive effect and a wider negative influence. They should realise that it is against our very faith in God and our vocation as God’s children. It is also a failure in our fraternal duty not to mislead others but set a good example. 4. Then from the part of all, it is a threefold duty: to avoid any scandal, to give a good example, and to do fraternal correction. We must guard against any situation or instance of scandal. As the first reading from the letter to Titus directs us, we must strive to be above reproach. We must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain. But we must conduct ourselves as faithful stewards. We need to be hospitable, lovers of good, self-controlled, holy, and disciplined. We must hold firm to the Word and sound doctrine. 5. Then, our approach toward those who are scandalous should not be judgmental or condemnatory. Rather we should be compassionate and forgiving. We should not disgrace them or put them to public shame by slander. Our purpose is not to show others in the wrong and feel great above them. It is to arrest the scandal and transform them and win back our brethren. 6. Such fraternity and a good example are possible only by faith. It is so powerful that even a little faith like the mustard seed can move even trees. That's why the apostles plead to increase faith. Direction: True faith is a matter of faithfulness and a good example (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 08 NOVEMBER) Focus: Bad example is detestable in the sight of God and is liable to God’s judgment 1. One major defect of today’s society is the increase in bad examples and scandals. More and more people get accustomed and tuned to wrong and evil. The pity all the more is, they are least bothered. Many give more importance to their self-gain and pleasure rather than setting a good example. Many do not feel any social and moral obligation to walk a good life and help others to walk the same. 2. This bad example is mainly failing - to trust in the Lord, to seek Him with sincerity of heart, and to love and live uprightness. It is the perversity of thinking. It is cultivating a deceitful soul. It is a body enslaved to sin. 3. The attitude of many who set a bad example is: ‘This is my life and I want it to be happy and undisturbed’. Why should I bother about giving a good example to others? It is their freedom and choice. Let them not be easily influenced by bad examples.’ 4. There is certainly some truth in their argument. But they cannot simply evade their culpability. In fact, the gravity of their wrong is so great that it invites severe punishment. The Lord pronounces ‘woe’ on them and attests: it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea. Their bad example and misleading influence convict them. 5. The cause of such a bad example is clearly the lack of wisdom. The response to those misled and who fall into sin is not to condemn them but to rebuke them, and forgive them generously if they repent. The strong power that works as resistant is deep faith. This will foster “a holy and disciplined spirit which will flee from deceit, from foolish thoughts and unrighteousness.” Direction: In a world that is increasingly steeped in unrighteous and deceitful living, there is so much scandal and negative influence. We need rock-like faith to stand firm not fall into temptation. 08 NOVEMBER 2022: TITUS 2. 1-8, 11-14; LUKE 17. 7-10 Thrust: No individual merit! Indicative: Our faith is God’s grace. All the blessings that we enjoy are God’s gratuitous benevolence. No one can claim rights! 1. Seeking recognition and applause, desire to create impressions and making a show of one's goodness and greatness, boasting and blowing one's trumpet before others - all these are clearly the trademarks of today's society. This malaise has so much infected our world that a person's quality is rated on the basis of publicity. 2. More importance is given to the tactics for marketing the product rather than the sincere efforts to ensure its quality and use of it. In such a context, doing good has become a rare commodity, and doing it without any ulterior motive has become a rare happening. 3. But Jesus makes it crystal clear that doing good and serving is essential to our human nature and our Christian vocation. Service is not a favour but a binding duty. Good is to be done not at one's choice and convenience but as devoted dutifulness. Dutifulness is a master check for our faith and faithfulness. That is why Jesus declares, “When you have done all, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’” 4. This dutifulness is essentially a matter of bearing witness to our call as the children of God and the followers of Christ. As we see in the first reading, our ages and stages may be different. It may be older men or older women or young women or younger men. But a life of witness is a bounden duty. 5. Such a duty-bound, faithful, and witnessing life trains us to renounce ungodliness, lawlessness, and worldly passions. We are summoned to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. We should be zealous models of good works. That is the most fitting way to put evil opponents to shame and defeat them. Direction: Only the spirit of a humble servant and dutiful service can heal the widespread sickness of domination and manipulation 09 NOVEMBER 2022: EZEK 47. 1-2, 8-9, 12; 1 COR 3. 9c-11, 16-17; JOHN 2. 13-22, Dedication of the Lateran Basilica Thrust: Sense of the holy! Indicative: Temple is a holy ambience of God’s special presence and grace. It is different from other places and times by its sense of holiness and serenity 1. Today we are living in a dominant culture of externality and pomposity. There is a decline of the sense of interiority and simplicity. Consequently, we see huge churches with so much decoration and beauty. No doubt that the holy place of God must be splendid and elegant because the God of glory dwells there. 2. But what is essential is not the beauty or decoration or splendor or pomp. All these externals must help for creating an ambience of devotion and prayer. Temple should evoke in those present a sense of the holy, the nearness of God, God’s assurance and comfort, His light and guidance, His nourishment and strength, His direction and serenity, and also unity and fraternity. 3. The prophet Ezekiel indicates this divine presence and action through the symbolism of the temple water. It has the efficacious power to refresh, enliven, nourish and heal. Therefore, our temples should be not only magnificent structures and huge spaces for the animation of some ceremonies and organisation of some events and celebrations. Much more they should be abodes of unity, surrender, and serenity, and springs of strength and renewal of souls and relationships. 4. A serious question tag hangs around us about the sacredness of our churches and temples. It is not untruth that at times our churches become “houses of trade”. There is a lot of noise and commotion. Market values and Business spirit seem to reign there. Many go to church and go away without even an ounce of difference and change. They just mechanically go through the motions. They take care that nothing touches them. 5. Perhaps the reason is given in the first reading. We have lost the sense of interiority and personal sanctity. Many have lost sight of the truth that “we are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in us.” Many fail to look into this interior castle of God and abode of sanctity. It is these personal temples that make the one community of God’s temple. Imperative: We need to reawaken this triple sanctity of the temple, the community, and the human person. When our communities and each of us become more holy, our temples become truly houses of God (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021) Focus: In a modern culture that is intensely ridden by secularity and profanity, we need to resurge the sense of the sacred 1. 09 November marks the anniversary of the dedication of the Lateran Basilica, the Mother and Head of all churches. This holy occasion calls us to turn our attention to the temple and holiness. All three readings point to this aspect. The temple of God is a holy place and we should conduct ourselves with reverence and dignity. 2. The first reading from Ezekiel through the symbolism of temple water indicates the greatness of the temple. It is the source of the water of God’s grace that enlivens, refreshes, nourishes, and heals everything it comes across. Thus, the temple is not merely a place of worship, a place where we perform some religious ceremonies and activities. It is much more than that. It is the ambience of divine presence, guidance, and empowerment. 3. The temple is primarily where God reigns in all His holiness and greatness. Therefore, every time we are in the temple, we must experience this atmosphere of sacredness. Today, in the name of socialisation or involvement, our churches seem to be reduced to gathering halls, function halls, cultural centers, stage management shows, et cetera. 4. Any such move that reduces the sense of holy displeases God. It may invite the same wrath of God as in the case of Jesus cleansing the temple. The temple also signifies our own person, in the light of the second reading from 1 Corinthians 3. 9-11, 16-17. We must be always conscious that we ourselves are the holy temples of God because we carry His own image and the Holy Spirit dwells within us. 5. Therefore, all the traces of impurity and unholiness, wickedness, and negativities are nothing but desecration of the human temple of God. And all commotion and noise, all acts of commercialisation, and mere socialisation of our churches are turning the house of prayer into centres of trade. Direction: Loss of the sense of the sacred is not only a matter that pertains to religion. It leads to the loss of the basic sense of dignity and reverence toward life and human persons themselves. (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020) Focus: God wants us to live a life consecrated and not desecrated, and this requires that we keep our hearts consecrated and not defiled and also demonstrate a true sense of the sacred 1. Today we celebrate the Feast of the anniversary of Lateran Basilica's dedication. This festivity in the first place reminds us of the holiness of a temple of God. It also urges us to nurture, demonstrate and foster a sense of the sacred towards the temple. 2. Rightly, this brings into question the various modern tendencies that are diluting this holy atmosphere and conduct and turning the churches into function halls, show theatres, stages, and platforms of events and programs. The assembly of God does not mean an assembly of secular sessions and transactions. 3. Certainly, the church is the locus of the faithful and a sphere of their animation and renewal and thus involves participation, communication, and interaction. In this sense, certain modes and elements of the practical organisation are understandable. But at any cost, a spiritual ambience must be maintained. A church is primarily a house of God's presence and nothing should turn it into a place of commotion and other interests. 4. In the second place, in the light of the second reading from Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians, ‘temple’ can signify not only the holy temple of God as the sacred place of worship. The temple stands for three other aspects as well: the community of believers, our own person, and our own heart, as God’s children and disciples of Christ. 5. This idea is attested in Paul’s words, as he declares: “Do you not know that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit abides within you? If anyone destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him. God’s temple is holy, and you are this temple.” 6. Therefore, we must honestly and humbly reflect on our sense of reverence and sanctity with regard to our own faith communities, our own persons, and our own hearts. How often do we tend to disrespect and desecrate all these? Direction: It is not enough that we have beautiful and palatial temples, but the spirit of God and the holy must reign there. It will not be a wonder that today too Jesus may need a whip to cleanse our temples! 10 NOVEMBER 2022: PHILEMON 7-20; LUKE 17. 20-25 Thrust: Kingdom is within! Indicative: God’s kingdom is not to be equated with a religious domain or domination. God’s kingdom is not the suppression and intimidation of others in the name of religiosity and pure religion 1. The Pharisees ask Jesus ‘when’ the kingdom of God will come. But interestingly Jesus’ answer concerns ‘where’ the kingdom of God is. But this is not unreasonable because, in the case of the kingdom of God, the ‘when’ (time factor) and the ‘where’ (space factor) merge. The kingdom of God comes when and where God reigns. 2. Accordingly, God’s kingdom is there in the midst of us when God’s Spirit reigns within us, in our hearts. It is said that God is so clever that He hides Himself inside the human heart. For, He is very sure that often many seek Him everywhere else and in everything else except in their own hearts, in the caves of their being. 3. The kingdom of God in the first place is inside reality, a matter of the heart. Unless the heart changes, the kingdom does not come and reign. This is evident in the often-repeated caution of Jesus: ‘Unless you repent and change, you shall not enter the kingdom of God.’ It is actually not so much we entering into a territory of the kingdom. Rather, it is the kingdom that enters into our hearts. 4. It is foolish that people search and fight to establish God’s kingdom by imposing particular religions or traditions. Little do they realise that God’s kingdom is not to be equated with a religion or a place or a culture. It is a way of life. It is a culture of heart. It is the reign of godliness. 5. This is the spirit of the kingdom that reigns in the heart and life of Paul. He not only worked for the spread of the kingdom through his preaching and animation. But also he allowed God’s kingdom to reign within him. That is why he could regard even Onesimus, a mere slave, and one who was unfaithful as his own brother and son in faith. He would humble himself and plead with Philemon on his behalf. Imperative: The kingdom of God is really there when “our goodness is not by compulsion but of our own accord when we refresh each other’s heart in Christ” (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 11 NOVEMBER) Focus: Often people are easily carried away by external displays and shows. Appearances arrest and block their vision and they fail to see the real and the interior 1. People of Jesus’ time were expecting God’s kingdom to come in all pomp and glory. They expected an irresistible intervention of God that would overthrow the Roman empire and re-establish the Judaic reign as in the OT. That is why they would ask Jesus when would it come. But Jesus quite candidly dispels their wrong notions. 2. The kingdom of God is not a place with fixed boundaries and demarcations. It is a situation, an ambience where God reigns. It is not material or social or political. It is essentially spiritual. It is profoundly interior. That is why, Jesus declares, “The Kingdom of God is within you, amidst you”. 3. In the light of Wisdom 7.22 -8.1, the kingdom of God is exactly where wisdom reigns in its full splendour. All the features of wisdom perfectly match God’s kingdom. God’s kingdom is when and where the power of God pervades, when and where the glory of the Almighty purely emanates. It is when and where there is a reflection of eternal light, when and where there is a spotless mirror of the working of God and an image of his goodness. The Kingdom of God is there when evil does not prevail against God and good. 4. We will belong to God’s kingdom to the extent we put on wisdom, clothing ourselves with her lofty qualities like holy, clear, unpolluted, invulnerable, loving the good, keen, irresistible, beneficent, humane, steadfast, free from anxiety, et cetera. We will experience God’s reign within and amidst us when we allow wisdom to penetrate into us and make us friends of God. Direction: It is really foolish to hear eagerly false prophets and adhere to their false teachings about God’s kingdom. They are for sure false because they tie God’s kingdom to mere places and times. Little do they realise that God’s kingdom is reigning within and amidst us! (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 12 NOVEMBER) Focus: The kingdom of God is not a matter of glow and show but it consists of simple details. The real kingdom is where God and His Spirit reigns A famous thinker has rightly said that this world is a big stage and all are actors, trying to outbeat one another. Show and display, pomp and splendour are the order of the day. People go by appearances and impressive externals. That is why we see often mega-events and huge organisations to demonstrate one's greatness and power. One who is able to pull large crowds, one who grants immediate and temporary benefits, is deemed great and is applauded. Sadly, the same tendency of excess importance to mere externals and quick impressions and results has crept into the spiritual realm as well. Consequently, it is no wonder that not infrequently spirituality is reduced to the level of displays and mega shows. Many false prophets present the kingdom in terms of material and social and wrongly strip it of its essential content of the spiritual and interior. The kingdom of God is within us! It is a treasure to be discovered, nurtured, strengthened, and shared. And this is the spirit and the reign of the kingdom we see in the person of Paul. How human, tender and affectionate he is! How respectful and noble he is! How forgiving and compassionate he is! Even though Onesimus is a slave, he treats him with respect and dignity, making him equal to him as a brother in faith. Even though Onesimus once did wrong, he forgives him, does not retain it but recommends it to Philemon on his behalf. Even though he could just command Philemon to do what he asks, because of his moral authority as the spiritual father, he only requests him to do him the favour. This is the real kingdom: the reign of unity, respect, equity, compassion, humility, nobility, fraternity, and charity. We must strive for the spread of such a kingdom, power within, and a life concrete. Direction: False are those prophets who reduce the whole kingdom to mere places and times and instant material subsidies! 11 NOVEMBER 2022: 2 JOHN 4-9; LUKE 17. 26-37 Thrust: Be ready! Indicative: Procrastination and unpreparedness are very prevalent. Many take for granted even the essentials. And for sure they will be caught unawares and shocked with unfavourable judgment 1. As we are running toward the closure of the ordinary time in the liturgical year, and soon will step into the holy Advent, the Liturgy of the Word draws our attention to the end times. The Word impresses upon us the sudden, unexpected nature of such end times. The choice is ours: whether to be alert, attentive, prompt and prepared or to be confronted and surprised unprepared. 2. The people in the time of Noah and Lot were totally immersed in worldly affairs and pleasures. They were not mindful and prepared for the impending flood and fire respectively. So all of them perished. Similarly, many people of our times are so much entangled with many needless and worthless pursuits. 3. They do not mind the reminders and cautions given by God in different ways. They wrongly think that they are ‘preserving’ and ‘saving’ their life. This is seen in their mad craving, and accumulation concerning money, possessions, power, position, fame, and sensual gratifications and pleasures. And the guiding principles are deception and manipulation. The goal is self-gain and self-glory. 4. The only remedy is a complete change of perspective and direction. It is to “walk in the truth” and not falsity and conceit. It is to live a life of authenticity and integrity. It is to “walk in love.” To walk in love is to “walk according to God’s commandments,” and to “abide in the teaching of Christ.” Imperative: All those who do not walk in the truth, in love, and in the way of commandments are deceivers and antichrists. Their end is clear and severe, and that is destruction. (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2021, 12 NOVEMBER) Focus: Quality of life depends on the propriety of our focus and orientation. If we are rightly focused and oriented, certainly life also becomes qualitative 1. As our perspectives are, so will our direction of life, our interests, pursuits, and accomplishments. When our perspectives are short-sighted and earth-bound, what we strive for and accomplish will also be short-sighted and earth-bound. This is the problem with many today. They are so much caught up with the things of this world. Their interests and pursuits revolve around mundane matters like money, possessions, power, position, name, popularity, temporary pleasures, instant gratifications, etc. 2. In simple terms, the meaning and direction of life are reduced to be earth-bound. They do not rise beyond and above the world and the earthly life. This is the same problem that happened in the OT in the time of Noah and Lot. People were totally immersed in worldly preoccupations and peripheral affairs. They lost sight of the spiritual and higher concerns. They busied themselves with eating, drinking, making merry, pursuing mundane interests, and seeking worldly gains. They were totally unprepared for the flood or the fire respectively. 3. This is what the author of Wisdom (13. 1-9) observes and implicates as the grave fault of the worldly people. They are intelligent but are deliberately ignorant and arrogant and deviant. Because they ignore the presence and the power of God that is so evident in His created nature. They are arrogant depending on their own human capacities or worldly resources. They totally deviate because they go astray “as they live among his works they keep searching, and they trust in what they see because the things that are seen are beautiful.” 4. This is what Jesus cautions about in the gospel. He reminds us about the suddenness and unexpectedness of the coming of the Lord. Therefore, let us not be engrossed in merely worldly matters, temporary and temporal interests. Let us raise ourselves to the higher realm, what is more, lasting and nobler. Direction: Let these words of Jesus constantly ring within us: “Whoever seeks to gain his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life (for my sake) will preserve it” (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2020, 13 NOVEMBER) Focus: Life becomes qualitative when it transcends the ensnarements and enslavements to what is merely worldly and physically gratifying Loss of focus and loss of concentration is one of the biggest miseries of the present society. Its immediate consequences are loss of direction and lack of preparation. The life of many has become a constant story of distraction, deviation, distortion, and eventual destruction. Many fail to discern what is primary and essential in their life and run after what is instantly pleasurable and easily available. Consequently, they get engrossed in material pursuits like food and drink, comfort and luxury, and sex and gratification. They become defocused and unaware and unprepared. They waste away their time and energies on these secondary or less worthy concerns. They are very much like those people in the time of Noah or Lot, those who were caught unexpectedly and unprepared by God's wrath. It is better to be awakened and prepared before it is too late. But all this happens because all such people wrongly think that they are “saving” their life, that they are “gaining” the beauty and happiness of life. All these are imposters, deceivers, and antichrists as St John terms them in his second letter in the first reading. It is because they are blind to the truth and they do not live according to the truth. They do not live by the teaching of Christ, which is to love one another. And to love means to walk according to his commandments. Therefore, whoever does not believe in God, whoever does not follow the ways of God, and whoever does not live in love for others, is rejecting the truth. They are under the spell of falsity and evil. The affirmation of Jesus in the gospel makes sense in this context. He says, “Whoever tries to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will gain it”. Direction: Only one life and only once it is given. So better to be wise to live it worthwhile and prepared to meet our final destiny. It will be sad that we lose an immensity for a triviality 12 NOVEMBER 2022: 3 JOHN 5-8; LUKE 18. 1-8 Thrust: Pray lest you become prey! Indicative: We can never emphasise enough the value and need of prayer in our life. It is only prayer that makes us stand erect and withstand all the possible assaults 1. Lack of patience and perseverance is one great defect and drawback of the present society. Many start well and big with great enthusiasm. But as time passes and when difficulties and adversities come on their way, they easily get discouraged and give up. The fact is not the closure of the road but the closure of their heart to see the road or seek a new one. 2. People seek quick results and are easily drawn to them. Not many have the patience to wait for the fruits. That is why we see people tampering with the natural process of growth and maturing, by injecting medicines and chemicals into chicks, animals, vegetables, fruits, and even humans. This becomes hazardous. 3. The same mentality is reflected in many youngsters who want to get to the top, who want to achieve many things within no time. Having no patience to wait and work hard, they resort to shortcuts and easy means. This leads to a lack of ethics. For what is important is not how a person gets something but that he gets it in whichever way possible. 4. The same mentality of impatience and lack of perseverance has crept into the religious sphere as well. People pray and they want immediate results. They make petitions and intercessions and they want God’s favours immediately at their doorsteps. 5. Many mistake this kind of expectation as a deep trust in things to happen. They may claim, “I prayed with deep faith and God immediately heard my prayer.” Subsequently, they feel that their faith is great and efficacious. On the other hand, when things do not happen as prayed for or do not happen when expected, there is disappointment and the possibility to give up. 6. It is in this context, Jesus teaches us perseverance in our prayer. He sets before us a simple practical example of a widow who persists to plead with an unjust judge for justice till she gets justice. She does not lose her heart and give up her effort. She goes on approaching the judge to the extent of pestering him. 7. Jesus’ assurance that God will not delay long and will give justice speedily does not mean that things happen as soon as we pray. It also will not mean that all things will happen according to our prayer. It only means that God listens to our prayers, understands our needs, and grants them when and how needed. Imperative: True prayer is not pressuring God to do things as and when we want but surrendering to God to do things as and when He wants. Why we leave everything to Him is because He knows and can do the best (REFLECTION 2 FROM 2020, 14 NOVEMBER) Focus: True faith is not a quick relief or instant painkiller or speed gain. Favours are not guarantors of the power of prayer or the good mood or good heart of God 1. The problem of many with regard to prayer is their perspective towards it. They consider it as a readymade tool and solution for their problems. They want things to happen as soon as they ask for them and as they want them. Unconsciously their needs and interests become the centre of their prayer and the whole act revolves around those needs. 2. Accordingly, the quality and efficacy of prayer are understood in terms of the favours received. It means your prayer is good and powerful when you get what you want. Further, the consolation and joy of praying are also measured in the same way. That is, people feel comforted and happy when they receive what they ask for. On the contrary, when their desires and intentions are not fulfilled by God, easily many become annoyed and impatient. They give up. 3. But a genuine prayer must be persevering, like that of the widow in the gospel. Refusal and rejection by the judge do not deter her from pleading with him. Only perseverance bears lasting fruit. The quickness of getting a favor is not a guarantee of the efficacy of prayer, and slowness is not a sign of a lack of efficacy. 4. In the same way, receiving what we want is not a necessary sign that God is good and favourable to us; and not receiving what we want is not a sign that He is not answering our prayers. Justice delayed is not justice denied. 5. Suffering and continued injustice can be testing and trying times. They can purify us, solidify us and sanctify us. They can brighten and strengthen our faith. They can make us better human persons, more humble and good-hearted. 6. Therefore, the focus of our prayer must be shifted from the answer and favor. Instead, we must focus more on God, on faith in Him, and our relationship with Him. Direction: There are no deadlines or failures in true prayer because it is a matter of relationship and not a favor bank; it is a loving interaction and a motivated transaction (REFLECTION 3 FROM 2021, 13 NOVEMBER) Focus: Patience and perseverance are the keys to success and the hallmarks of any successful person. Wavering and impatience will never do any good in any pursuit 1. We are living in a fast-track world. It seeks instant results and quick gains. Speed has become one main determinant of the mentality of today’s world. That is why, it is said that those who do not run the race fast, will not stand in the race. Delay often causes annoyance and impatience. The same thing happens in our prayer life as well. Many pray and do many spiritual activities. But they expect immediate answers and favors from God. 2. There is nothing wrong with making supplications to God. There is also nothing wrong with expecting God to receive our requests and grant favors. But the real problem is what happens when we are not granted what we ask for. What happens when things do not happen when we expect them to happen? 3. What happens when I ask for good health, a good job, good education, a good match, good business, good prospects, success, good understanding, and good changes in others in families or communities, but they do not happen? What happens when I continue to struggle with my sickness or with my failures, or with negative pressures? How long to wait? Why does God not respond and grant favors as and when I request him so trustingly? 4. In such times, the usual and immediate tendency is to be discouraged, to be shaken in our faith, and to give up our praying. It is then that the poor widow in the gospel stands before us as a great ignition to persevere till the end. She approaches an obstinate and unjust judge for justice. He is in no mood to render justice to her. He continued to refuse her. But as she persisted, he had to yield to her request. At least to get rid of her botheration, he renders her justice. Perseverance pays! Direction: Perseverance in prayer does not mean that we go on pestering God and make him weary. It means that we should not expect quick favors from God. Rather we must learn to wait!