One Minute Reflection – 16 November – “Pray at all times ”

One Minute Reflection – 16 November – Saturday of the Thirty Second week in Ordinary Time, Year C, Gospel: Luke 18:1–8 and The Memorial of St Edmund Rich of Abingdon (1175-1240) Archbishop of Canterbury

“And will not God vindicate his elect, who cry to him day and night?” … Luke 18:7

REFLECTION – “ Pray at all times ” commands the apostle Paul (1 Th 5:17).   Calling to mind this precept, Clement of Alexandria writes: “We have been commanded to praise and honour the Word, which we know to be our Savior and King and through Him, the Father, not on certain select days as others do but continually, our whole lives long and in every possible way.”

Amidst our daily occupations, at times when we overcome our egoistical tendencies, when we experience the joy of friendship towards others, at all such times, Christians must discover God.   Through Christ and in the Holy Spirit, Christians gain intimacy with God the Father and run along the way, as they seek that kingdom which, although it is not of this world (Jn 18:36), is prepared for, in this world and begins in this world.

We need to go regularly to Christ in the Word and the Bread, in the Eucharist and prayer. And stay with Him frequently, as one stays with a friend, a truly alive person – just as Christ is, being risen…   Christ, the risen Christ is our companion, our Friend.   A companion who is only to be seen in the semi-darkness but whose reality fills our lives and makes us want His company permanently.   “The Spirit and the Bride say:  ‘Come!’ Let those who hear say: ‘Come!’   Let anyone who thirsts come forward and let those who desire it receive the gift of life-giving water…   He who gives this testimony says:  ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’  Amen.  Come, Lord Jesus!” (Rv 22:17.20).” … St Josémaria Escriva de Balaguer (1902-1975) – Sermon of 26/03/67 in ‘Es Cristo que pasa’

PRAYER – Holy Father, grant us a strong Faith! Poor Your graces into our hearts that we may believe with all our hearts, minds and souls and that in believing, we may constantly raise our entire being to You in prayer and supplication, in prayer and adoration, in prayer and love.   May the intercession of St Edmund Rich of Abingdon, a man of deep prayer from his youth, strengthen our perseverance.   Through Jesus Christ, our Lord in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God forever and ever, amen.