Homily Sixth Saturday of Easter (John 16:23b-28) “Our Heavenly Parent Hears Our Prayer” 2020
Homily Sixth Saturday of Easter (John 16:23b-28) “Our Heavenly Parent Hears Our Prayer”
In the Gospel we read at todays Mass Jesus seems to be saying that whatever we ask for in prayer will be given to us. Of course, we realize that is not true. We have all asked for a lot of things in our prayers. How often do we get exactly what we wanted?
Somebody once described God’s answer to a prayer like a parent’s answer to a child’s request. Sometimes the answer that a parent gives is and immediate yes. At other times, the answer seems to be disappointing.
When my mother would tell me no, I would be upset. I would often ask why? She would try to give a rationale and I would begin to debate with her. Then came the moment when she would say, “The reason is because I said so.” Then I knew I had pushed the disagreement as far as I should.
God is our heavenly parent. God sees the big picture, a far bigger picture than we will ever see. Because God knows a lot more than we do, sometimes the answer to our prayer requests seems to be no.
Many times, the answer also would appear to be, not right now. I have often looked at the things I have prayed for fervently and considered the way things turned out later. Many times, I have looked back and thought I am fortunate that I did not get exactly what I wanted, or it would have been a disaster.
God is always a loving parent. If we believe that God’s love can be relied upon, then we can be patient and tolerant of disappointment. We must keep an open mind and keep speaking to God from the heart and at the very least there is usually a sense of solace that comes into our souls.
Reflection Questions:
1. What am I praying for during my present trials? Do I picture God as a short order cook that needs to serve me quickly? Or, is God like a chef who prepares a meal (the answer to my prayer) painstakingly?
2. Can I look back and see how even some of the difficult situations of my life worked out for the best? What were some of those difficulties?
Dear Parishioners,
Yesterday our president declared that all churches should be opened immediately. Oh, how wonderful it would be if it were that easy. We all realize that it is not up to him to say when we reopen. The bishops and the pastors of the church have the responsibility over religious matters.
No one would like to throw the doors open to restore regular worship more that I. But as I see COVID 19 cases in the Quad Cities inch closer to a thousand and we continue to have deaths in our community we need to open cautiously. To do otherwise would be irresponsible.
We are going to begin to ask for volunteers to help with preparation for the resumption of Masses. This will involve painstaking planning so we might keep people safe. The persons we ask will need to be handpicked. We would like to have younger people who do not have preexisting conditions health conditions to help. We also will need diplomatic volunteers who work with people well. I would also like to have some people who are in the health care field. In the coming days, our parish staff will be recruiting helpers. Please respond affirmatively if you are asked to serve.
May Our Lady and all the Angels and Saints protect you today.
Fr. Mark