💖 HOMILY - OCTOBER 10 💖

First Reading - Galatians 3:1-5

Gospel - Luke 11:5-30

We are in a world of technology. It is our technology that makes life easy and fast. Our needs are fulfilled instantly through technological means. Today, everything has become an instant solution for us. However, in the midst of these instant solutions, the readings of today invite us to embrace the virtue of persistence and endurance in our life of prayer. But first, faith lays the foundation for our prayer as the primary requisite.

In the first reading, Paul makes a clear distinction between faith and the practice of the Law. The background of the passage lies in the influence of the Judaizers, who promoted the idea that the fulfillment of the law, such as circumcision, was a requisite for Christianity. Paul argues that it is not merely the observance of the law, but rather faith in Jesus, that is most important. Furthermore, Paul clarifies that it is through faith in Jesus that all have received the gift of the Spirit. Therefore, he asserts that faith is paramount. This virtue of faith is also essential to remaining connected in prayer.

The Gospel recounts the importance of persistence in prayer. Jesus illustrates this in a parable about the unexpected visit of a guest to a friend's house in the middle of the night. The story emphasizes the persistence of the visited friend. His request to another friend is bothersome because it disturbs his household. However, behind this lies the importance of hospitality for a Jew. Hospitality is considered one of the key virtues in Judaism. The persistence of the person seeking bread from his friend must be understood in this context of hospitality.

Jesus uses this example to demonstrate the quality of persistence required from His disciples in prayer. What is this persistence? It is a virtue that impels a person to persevere in seeking what he or she wants. Jesus expects that this is the quality a believer should have when approaching the Father in prayer.

The second part of the passage gives us the assurance of God’s care for everyone, regardless of how wicked they may be. God cares for all and desires that each person seeks His help in prayer. Our seeking help shows our disposition and humility before God.

Dear friends, prayer should never be seen as an instant solution for anything. It is our constant turning to God with persistence and humility. As the first reading suggests, we need to understand the importance of faith in approaching God in prayer. When we come to God in faith, asking, opening our hearts, and expressing our desires to Him, He will surely respond to our prayers. Jesus urges us to “ask,” which also means approaching God in faith, like a child.

We should not expect prayer to function like a machine that immediately responds to our commands. Prayer is the disposition of a heart continually open to God. It requires patience and endurance in faith. Let us approach God in faith, seeking His assistance in everything we do.