Favor

Today’s Gospel Text: He was praying in a certain place, and when he ceased, one of his disciples said to him, "Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples." 2 And he said to them, "When you pray, say:"Father, hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. 3 Give us each day our daily bread; 4 and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive every one who is indebted to us; and lead us not into temptation."

5 And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, 'Friend, lend me three loaves; 6 for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; 7 and he will answer from within, 'Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? 8 I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. 9 And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 10 For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. 11 What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; 12 or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? 13 If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!" Luke 11:1-13

Reflection:  Why should I go to church or to a pilgrim centre?

Why do you go to such places and flock to such places; isn’t God everywhere and anywhere? Isn’t it better to pray from home?

Or why go anywhere and anyplace to pray?

We have an example in Jesus, the very reason of our prayer, about it: The scripture text reminds us that he was praying in a certain place (vs.1)

Place, time and situation make a difference while praying and God himself desires of us and invites us to do so.

Certain places and situations carry the favor of God; even though the true worshipers of the Father shall worship him in Spirit and truth.

Hence, when we talk about ideal places and situation it doesn’t mean that we should ignore the other element in Jesus' exhortation to the Samaritan woman at the well.

Instead we must pray in spirit and in truth always and everywhere and anywhere but there are moments, places and situations and times too in which we need to honor God.

We could be eating anywhere in life but yet we chose a particular place and situation or an auspicious moment.

A certain place and situation helps lift the spirit and God’s grace may rest in a particular place in a special place because of the honor that God wants to do a place on account of his beloved servants or on account of his promise or love for his people. 

The collective praise of God is a great act of worship. 

Just as he favors certain people who have been faithful to him so too the Lord is faithful to a certain place and situation.

Prayer: But thou, O Lord, art enthroned for ever; thy name endures to all generations. Thou wilt arise and have pity on Zion; it is the time to favor her; the appointed time has come. Ps 102:12-13

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He has God’s favour.

Scripture: As he drew near to Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging; 36 and hearing a multitude going by, he inquired what this meant. 37 They told him, "Jesus of Nazareth is passing by." 38 And he cried, "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" 39 And those who were in front rebuked him, telling him to be silent. Luke 18:35-43 

Reflection:    Those who are in the forefront see strength and self confidence and always think that they have a better advice for those who lag behind them. Those in the front wanted the poor blind to submit to their demands and rebuke him to be silent. They fail to realize that they are where they are because of their lack or absence of handicap and they need to humbly acknowledge it. Often we only see the physical handicap but fail to see hidden handicap of a person.

The cry for help is always discomforting. You hear babies making noise and it may not disturb you much but the moment a baby cries then it is unbearable to listen to such cries.  A cry for help can disturb many hearts but many a times it disturbs us because it is discomforting.

Though the majority opinion in this momentary democratic situation weighs heavily against the Blind man, Jesus makes his choice in the midst of the many loud voices that rebuked the blind man and ultimately heals him.

If you are game for the bargain then remember Jesus who is always ready will even reach out a bit more to touch and heal.

Prayer:  Lord, may I not judge the weak and condemn the innocent.

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