Readings
October 22, 2016
October 15, 2016
29th Sunday - C
Commentary
Prayer – More than Asking for Things and Favors
Sometimes,
we limit our prayer to asking God for favors.
There are
non-verbal prayers (for example, meditation) and verbal prayers (which can be
said out loud or silently). Traditionally, verbal prayers are put into
four categories.
1. Prayer of Adoration (praising God) and Thanksgiving
2. Prayer of Petition (asking for what we ourselves need)
3. Prayer of Intercession (asking for what others need)
4. Prayer of Contrition (asking for forgiveness) [1]
1. Prayer of Adoration (praising God) and Thanksgiving
2. Prayer of Petition (asking for what we ourselves need)
3. Prayer of Intercession (asking for what others need)
4. Prayer of Contrition (asking for forgiveness) [1]
In the
Gospel of Luke, which we listen to during this liturgical year, there are
examples of all four types of verbal prayer.
Last
week, we learned from the Samaritan leper prayer of adoration and
thanksgiving. Once he was cured, he returned to Jesus, glorifying
God in a loud voice; and he fell at the feet of Jesus and thanked him.”
Today, we have an example of prayer of petition.
Next week, we will learn from a tax collector how to pray for forgiveness.
Next week, we will learn from a tax collector how to pray for forgiveness.
At other places in Luke’s Gospel, we also have examples of people who
pray for others (for example, the centurion who asks Jesus to cure his sick
servant in 7:1-10).
It is
important to know that prayer is more than asking God for things and favors.
In
addition, in Luke, Jesus teaches us the right attitude of prayer.
Two
weeks ago (27th Sunday), in Luke 17:5-10, using the image of
the servant coming in from the field, and still expected to serve his master,
Jesus told us of who we are and who God is, and that God does not owe us
anything. All that we have and all that we are come from God’s gracious
love and generosity. Humility and gratitude are essential in our prayer.
The week
prior to that, with the parable of the rich man and poor Lazarus, we learned
that prayer cannot be separated from charity and sensitivity to the needs of
people around us.
Today’s
parable encourages us to pray with trust because God, who is the opposite of
the wicked judge, will grant us what we need for our salvation and
wellbeing.
May the
reflection on these Gospel passages help enrich our prayer life, and
ultimately, deepen our relationship with God.
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[1] The classifications of these four
categories of prayer may varied. Sometimes, prayer of adoration and
prayer of thanksgiving are separated, but prayer of petition and contrition are
combined.
October 9, 2016
28th Sunday - C
Commentary
What a Reputation.
With the
religious leaders of the people, Jesus has the reputation of a trouble maker.
With the
people, however, Jesus is known for his teaching with authority (Luke 4:32) and
a miracle worker (4:23).
Moreover,
the lepers in this Gospel passage of Luke 17:11-19 must have heard of Jesus’ reputation
of compassion for the outcasts of society.
Otherwise, they would not have dared to break the law and come near
him. Not only have they heard of his
mighty power of healing, they must have heard and believed that he cares for
them. The Samaritan man, recognizing
that he has been healed, even goes as far as touching Jesus’ feet as a gesture
of humble gratitude. He knows he would
not be rejected.
His confidence
challenges me to trust in Jesus’ mercy and compassion for me, a sinner.
Then, Jesus
proclaims God’s mercy by his words, actions, and attitudes. And that is his reputation.
What
reputation do I have as a child of God? A good question to ask during this Jubilee Year of Mercy.
October 1, 2016
27th Sunday - C
Commentary
“Lord, Increase Our
Faith”
In
Chapter 16 of his gospel, Luke records a number of challenging teachings from
Jesus. He warns the Pharisees for putting their
reputation and human esteem before God.
He affirms the validity of the law, that ““It is easier for heaven and
earth to pass away than for the smallest part of a letter of the law to become invalid.” He assures the validity of marriage and equates
divorce and remarriage with adultery. He
also teaches the two parables of the cunning steward and the rich man and
Lazarus, which we listened to these past two Sundays.
Then,
Chapter 17 begins with Jesus’ condemnation of those who “cause one of the
little ones to sin.” He also demands
that his followers forgive one another even to seven times a day.
After
hearing all these challenging and demanding teachings, the Apostles implore the
Lord, “Increase our faith.” [1]
The way
of Jesus is not easy.
Have I
come to realize that I cannot follow the way of Jesus by my own efforts?
Think of the
time in your life that, like the Apostles, you felt the need to ask God to increase
your faith.
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[1] http://www.progressiveinvolvement.com
[1] http://www.progressiveinvolvement.com
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