In today’s Gospel, we hear the story of a woman begging Jesus to have pity on her and she asks him to release her daughter from the grips of a demon. When it appeared that He may not help her, she persisted in asking – begging rather – for Him to help her daughter. Jesus’ reply of, “O woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish,” and this whole story demonstrates the power of persistence, especially persistence in prayer.
What is it that you pray for so fervently and relentlessly?
Health for a loved one or ourselves? Financial freedom? Peace and justice in our world? Healthier relationships? Prayers for vocations?
For many years, I have prayed for 3 simple gifts: Wisdom, Courage, and Perseverance. Wisdom so that I know the right things to do, courage so that I do the right things and perseverance to keep on doing the right things. The three gifts remind me of the characters in the Wizard of Oz. The Scarecrow wants a brain so that he can think and find Wisdom. The Lion wants Courage so that he may overcome his fears. And, the Tin Man wants a heart, ultimately to Persevere in Love.
Life is funny.
It gives us what we ask for, IF we are paying attention and looking. In my quest for wisdom, I have noticed that I gain the most wisdom through the times in life where I suffer the most. Whether it is the loss of a loved one or some other trial, light is undoubtedly shed on the important things in life, and rest assured, the important things are not things at all. Wisdom comes through the experience and personal reflection.
Finding courage often times means that you have to be open to being uncomfortable.
It means seeking things that challenge us to become better version of ourselves. It means doing things that we may rather not do or sticking with something that is hard to do. Courage is a gift that allows us to take the first step and many times, this is the hardest step to take.
Perseverance is the key.
When the going gets tough how often are we willing to give up and go back to old habits? Sticking with it and having vision allow you to keep on keeping on as you strive towards goals. Just like the woman in today’s Gospel story, it was her perseverance that allowed her prayers to be answered.
Jesus said to His disciples: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.”
I offer a final prayer for this week, it is one that I have hanging in my office and it is offered for our parish school.
Jesus, I ask that you continue bless our school
with an abundance of support. I ask that you
send us families that are eager to come to
know, love and serve you in and through
our school. I ask that our faculty and staff
complete our vocation with competence,
excellence and love. Help us to fill our school
to capacity so that we might maximize
our potential in every way.
We still have available seats in our classrooms. Now is a great time to make the choice for a Catholic education a reality for your family. We guarantee that we will find an affordable tuition rate for all.
