Persistence in prayer

I should consider myself being blessed for having the opportunity to participate in the "Alpha Camp" which organized by some of the parishes in the archdiocese few weeks ago. The main purpose of this camp is to share with us the tools of evangelization when we are involve in the campus ministry. I had the opportunity to meet up with friends and students from various universities. I still remember there is a particular session where we talk about prayer. This particular section really touch me the most when we discuss the necessity to pray each day. 

Most people believe in praying, but how many believe in praying always? Even those who believe that praying always is a good idea don't always believe it's a necessity, but Jesus does.

Does your life say you believe in "the necessity of praying always"? Do you pray the first thing in the morning? Do you try to center your day on the Mass? Do you pray the Angelus? Do you pray not only for people, but with them? Do you pray daily with your spouse and family? With these many times of formal prayer, you will be in touch with Jesus all day even when you're busy with the day's activities and can't give Him undivided attention. Thus you will be praying always.

People might argue by saying even though they pray everyday, but God still didn't answer their prayer. So no point of them spending their time in prayer. I guess most of us would have reach to this stage when we got frustration in our lives. We want God give us immediate answer. We want everything to be fast. We want everything to be instant. Our patient always limit us to certain extend that we want our problems to be solve instantaneously. I guess the impatient character that we have in our human nature often lead us to a wrong decision making in our life. 

In today's first reading, the reading tells us that praying always is a necessity, for some battles are won not only by prayer, but by praying always. For instance, Moses had to keep praying, or Joshua would not have defeated the Amalekites (Ex 17:11ff). Prayer is good, but may not be good enough. There is "the necessity of praying always." 

Yes, you may say even though I pray always, God still didn't answer my prayer. Living as a minority in the country, being powerless, God did not shield His light to His people even though the injustice thing had happened to His people.

In today's Gospel reading, what can a shameless and unjust judge pitted against a crusty and pestering woman teach us about justice and vindication in the kingdom of God?  Jesus tells a story that is all too true a defenseless widow is taken advantaged of and refused her rights. Through sheer persistence she wears down an unscrupulous judge until he gives her justice. Persistence pays off, and that's especially true for those who trust in God. Jesus illustrates how God as our Judge is much quicker to bring us his justice, blessing, and help when we need it. But we can easily lose heart and forget to ask our Heavenly Father for his grace and help.  Jesus told this parable to give fresh hope and confidence to his disciples. In this present life we can expect trials and adversity, but we are not without hope in God. The Last Judgment will reveal that God's justice triumphs over all the injustices perpetrated by his creatures and that God's love is stronger than death (Song of Songs 8:6). The just can look forward with hope to that day when they will receive their reward.

Jesus ends his parable with a probing question for us. Will you and I have faith the faith that perseveres to the end of time when Jesus returns in glory to judge the living and the dead?  Faith is an entirely free gift that God makes to us.  If we want to live, grow, and persevere in the faith until the end, then we must nourish it with the word of God and ask the Lord to increase it (Luke 17:5). When trials and setbacks disappoint you, where do you place your hope? Do you pray with expectant faith and confidence in God's merciful care and providence for you?