THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER (HOMILY FOR FRIDAY OF THE 15TH WEEK IN THE ORDINARY TIME

THE EFFICACY OF PRAYER

Isaiah 38:1-8; Mt 12:1-8

Homily for Friday of the 15th week in the ordinary time

Child of God, Do you believe in the power of Prayer? Do you know that prayer provides answers? Do you know that prayer helps you develop a profound relationship with God? Do you know that prayer helps you find direction in life? Do you know that with prayer you can avoid the occasion of sin and temptation? Do you believe that prayer can work miracles? Do you understand that with prayer you invite the Holy Spirit into your life? Are you aware that prayer helps you align with the will of God? Brothers and sisters in Christ, the benefit of prayer and its efficacy is unquantifiable.

The first reading of today from the prophecy of Isaiah 38: 1-8, speaks to us of Hezekiah the king of Judah, who believed in the efficacy of prayer. Hezekiah was king of Judah for 14 years and began to reign at the age of 25 (2kings 18:2). We are told that the prophet Isaiah told the king that he would die but the immediate response of the king was to go into prayer (Isa 38:2). God harkened to the prayers of Hezekiah, and instructed Isaiah to inform Hezekiah in the following words: “Thus says the Lord, I have heard your prayers, I have seen your tears; I will add fifteen years to your life” (Isa 38:4-5). Hezekiah reigned as King of Judah for another 15 years, making it 29 years in total. Can you feel the blessings of God? Hezekiah we are told was a righteous king, a man of prayer and had a strong faith in God. The prayer of Hezekiah liberated Judah from the attack of the king of Assyria (Isa 37: 21-22).

Brothers and sisters in Christ, are you a man or woman of prayer? How prayerful are you? In the face of difficulties and perplexity, do you turn to God in prayer?

In the Gospel reading, Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, reminds us of the essence of the sabbath. The Sabbath is for the good of humanity and not for harm. It is the day of the Lord of mercy and not a day of sorrow and hunger. Jesus corrected the impression of the Pharisees who accused the disciples of Jesus of breaking the law of the sabbath: plucking and eating heads of grain on the Sabbath. Jesus, invariably underscored that if the Pharisees prime the Sabbath more than anything else, then they must be products of the sabbath, which is to 'desire mercy and not sacrifice' in their relationship with humanity. Beloved in Christ, let us constantly remain ministers of the sacred values of the kingdom of God: justice, kindness, mercy, love, charity, compassion, equity etc.

I pray for you as you begin today's daily activity that God will bless the work of your hands and prosper your purposes in Jesus' name. Amen

Have a serene day

Fr Remi osj