SAINT JOSAPHAT, BISHOP AND MARTYR (MEMORIAL)

Jesus told his disciples a parable about the necessity for them to pray always without becoming weary.

Mike knew that Tom’s son had been battling a drug addiction. So when they met up for breakfast on a recent Saturday morning, Mike wondered how his friend was handling the situation. But he wasn’t sure how to bring up such a sensitive topic.

He didn’t have to. As they sat down together, Tom surprised Mike by asking, “Can we say an Our Father for my son? I’ve started praying for his healing before every meal.”

We can applaud the widow in Jesus’ parable for showing a similar kind of perseverance. Let’s imagine what life must have been like for an elderly widow in her situation. It must not have been easy to keep getting her petition before the judge. She could have had to change her schedule of errands, cooking, and cleaning so that she could knock on the judge’s door. She might have had a hard time walking to his place every day. And then she would have had to weather the curious stares from all the other petitioners who saw her arriving day after day. But in the end, she prevailed.

Jesus wants us to have the same kind of stubbornness when it comes to praying for our needs and the needs of the people around us. This doesn’t have to be especially dramatic either. It can be as simple as praying for a different intention before every meal. We can also pray while brushing our teeth, waiting for our morning coffee to brew, or standing in line at the grocery store. We could even add intercession to our morning commute or our daily exercise. The point is to be consistent and persistent. In the end, we will prevail. Remember, God is so much kinder than that unjust judge!

So keep knocking on his door. Keep bringing your needs to him. Then watch as he changes people’s lives—and your heart in the process.

“Here I am, Lord. Once again I bring my needs to you. O Lord, hear and answer!”

3 John 5-8
Psalm 112:1-6
Luke 18:1-8