In the Gospel this weekend, Jesus’ disciples have a simple yet profound request: “Lord, teach us to pray just as John taught his disciples.” It is in that moment that our Lord gives to them, and by extension to us, the perfect prayer ~ the Our Father. In this prayer, we have the acknowledgment of who God is ~ our Father, who is holy. We have a desire ~ Your kingdom come. We have humble petitions ~ give us this day our daily bread, forgive us our sins, and do not subject us to the final test. We can approach the Father with these words and more elaborate words of the Our Father because of what we find in the psalm today; namely, “Lord on the day I called out for help You answered me.”
I find great consolation in these words. I do so because they are a sure reminder that God never abandons us. He answers our cries and humble petitions, He is there in our troubles, He extends His hand to those in need. In short, this Psalm is the fulfillment of the words that Jesus said as He ascended to the heavens, namely, “I will be with you until the end of time.” God does not lie, nor does He abandon His promise. There may be times that we feel as if God is not listening or responding to us. Let me say clearly, God always listens and responds. Perhaps the issue is not God’s silence, but our lack of ability to listen. As children, when teachers had something important to say, they would tell us to put on our “listening ears”. Meaning they always answered us, but we did not always listen to what they said. The same is true with God ~ so put on your “listening ears” and I am confident you will hear His response!
“Lord on the day I called out for help You answered me.”
Yours in Christ,
Fr. Wayne