Prayer from the Heart (HOMILY FOR THE 30TH SUNDAY IN THE ORDINARY TIME YEAR C
Homily for 30th Sunday in the Ordinary Time, Year C. (Mission Sunday). Sirach 35:12c-14,16-18b; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18; Luke 18:9-14. Theme: Prayer from the Heart. Last Sunday, Jesus taught the importance of the power of trusting and persevering in prayer. Today He is teaching us on true and honest prayer, the prayer of a humble person which is always pleasing to God. In the First Reading, the Book of Sirach says, "The Lord is the judge, and with him is no partiality. He will not show partiality in the case of a poor man; and he will listen to the prayer of one who is wronged" (Sir.35:12-13). The Lord answers the prayers of all, but the oppressed, the orphan, the widow, the ones who can least help themselves, are always his concern. The best prayer is that of loyal, willing service. The prayer of the humble man will be answered. The Book of Sirach reminds us of this fact, "The prayer of the humble pierces the clouds, and he will not be consoled until it reaches the Lord...