How a Christian Prays
19th Sunday in Ordinary Time
“Our help is from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”Ps. 121
It is not that He needs our prayer in order to have compassion on those who suffer, for He is the one who most desires our good. We pray to unite ourselves to God and to persevere through whatever tribulation we may face in this world. We also pray that He may sustain us in faith and trust when we suffer adversity, so that our faith may not fail. I believe that if it were possible or fitting, He would at times remove suffering or catastrophe. But I think that in most cases it is not possible, for reasons not revealed to us—matters tied to the mystery of evil and eternity.
Jesus said: Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. A great lesson to follow in our prayer: always trusting in God more than in ourselves, asking if it is possible —since we do not know whether it is possible or not, or whether it is fitting for the soul or not-and then always adding: but your will be done. I believe it was not possible or not fitting, for God knew what would come forth from that sacrifice of love to the extreme. And so that tremendous injustice was carried out against God Himself, infinitely wise and good.
This is what humanity continues to do: condemning God, rejecting His salvation, believing in their pride that they know more than God, and that they are stronger than Him. Many prefer darkness over light and make themselves into gods, refusing to trust in God without even investigating or knowing Him, since they reject Him beforehand and do not want Him. Not even a miracle nor any evidence would move many to change their hearts or open themselves to the truth, because they want to be the only king and lord, and—like Herod-they are willing to kill as many innocents as necessary in order to eliminate anyone who dares threaten their superiority as king.
Prayer keeps us united to God, in His grace, trusting in Him, without falling into despair before any adversity. Therefore, in those situations we should always imitate the prayer of Jesus: If it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not my will, but yours be done. In this way we remain united to the love of God, in total, blind trust, like that of Abraham and so many saints.
“Afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies.”2 Corinthians 4:7ff
Many let their ego remain at the center, and only ask for their own will, pleasure, and interests. Some even dare to get angry with God, or even turn away from Him in their ignorance, if what they ask for is not granted. They have not received the teachings of Jesus and have not let Him free them from selfish disorder-which continues to reign and wants everyone, even God Himself, at its service.
The Mysteries of the Rosary
Have you ever wanted to explore the life of Jesus and Mary in a deeper way? Each decade highlights a sacred episode:
Joyful Mysteries: Through the Annunciation (1) and Visitation (2), we get a glimpse at Mary’s joyful yes to God. She gives birth to Jesus in the Nativity (3). Mary and Joseph present their son at the temple (4) and bring him there again when he is a teenager (5).
Luminous Mysteries: Jesus is baptized in the Jordan River (1) before Mary gives him a nudge to his first miracle at Cana (2). Jesus proclaims the Gospel (3), is transfigured on Mount Tabor (4), and institutes the Eucharist (5). The light is shining!
Sorrowful Mysteries: Jesus prays in agony in Gethsemane (1), knowing his hour of suffering has come. After his betrayal and arrest, Jesus is scourged (2) and crowned with thorns (3). He carries his cross (4), and Mary stands at the foot of the cross as he is crucified (5).
Glorious Mysteries: Christ is risen in glory (1)! After appearing to those he loves, he ascends into heaven (2). Jesus’ followers receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost (3). Mary, unaffected by original sin, is assumed body and soul into heaven (4), where she is crowned queen, humble mother of Christ the King (5).
Readings of the Week
Sunday: Exodus 17:8-13/Psalm 121:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8/2 Timothy 3:14-4:2/Luke 18:1-8
Monday: Romans 4:20-25/Luke 1:69-70, 71-72, 73-75/Luke 12:13-21
Tuesday: Romans 5:12, 15b, 17-19, 20b-21/Psalm 40:7-8a, 8b-9, 10, 17/Luke 12:35-38
Wednesday: Romans 6:12-18/Psalm 124:1b-3, 4-6, 7-8/Luke 12:39-48
Thursday: Romans 6:19-23/Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6/Luke 12:49-53
Friday: Romans 7:18-25a/Psalm 119:66, 68, 76, 77, 93, 94/Luke 12:54-59
Saturday: Romans 8:1-11/Psalm 24:1b-2, 3-4ab, 5-6/Luke 13:1-9
Next Sunday: Sirach 35:12-14, 16-18/Psalm 34:2-3, 17-18, 19, 23/2 Timothy 4:6-8, 16-18/Luke 18:9-14
Observances for the Week
Sunday: 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Next Sunday: 30th Sunday in Ordinary Time
