PRAYER IS THE KEY. (Homily for Saturday of the 34th Week in Ordinary Time, Year B.)


Bible Study:  Daniel 7, 15 to 27. And Luke 21, 34 to 36.



For some days now, our Gospel passages were taken from Luke, chapter 21. And honestly, this is one chapter that contains a lot of scary predictions about the future. We have hear Jesus say things like: “You will hear of wars and tumults…” “Nation will rise against nation, kingdom against kingdom… there will be earthquakes and pestilences, and there will be terrors…” “They will persecute you…” “You will be hated by all for my name’s sake…” “Alas for those who are with child… Great distress shall be upon the earth… there will be signs in sun and moon and stars…, men fainting with fear and foreboding.” Today, Jesus concludes it all by telling us the reasons for his stern warnings and how we are to deal with the end times. He says:

“Take heed to yourselves lest your hearts be weighed down with dissipation and drunkenness and cares of this life…. But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man.” Luke 21, 34 to 36.

As Jesus himself point out here, what keeps us from growing in the spiritual life is our attempt to take in all of the world forgetting that we really do not belong to this world but are simply strangers and passers-by. This is what often leads us to depression, sorrow and anxiety; dissipation, drunkenness and cares of this life. The word DISSIPATION simply means “wasteful or thoughtless spending or activity.” Dissipation can also mean a life of indulgence, in which health and wealth are squandered in the pursuit of pleasure. Dissipation is a kind of self-indulgence, excess in action and immoderate indulgence of bodily appetites.” No matter how much we try to satisfy our bodily appetites, we never seem to get enough and the more we indulge our senses, the emptier we become within and the more we find it difficult to pray.

Jesus says that the only way to stand triumphant and victorious in the midst of all that he has told us about the end time is WATCHING AND PRAYING AT ALL TIMES. To watch means to stand guard, a watcher man never sleeps, he continuously anticipates danger and does everything possible to prevent attack from the enemy. We too must be conscious at all times like watcher man against the many temptations that are bound to come our way. It is only when we are conscious spiritually that we are able to discern that we are being tempted.

From the words of Daniel in the first reading, it is clear that there are powers that be, powers that are set to wage war against us as children of God.  Daniel 7, 19 to 21. Then I desired to know the truth concerning the fourth beast, which was different from all the rest, exceedingly terrible, with its teeth of iron and claws of bronze; and which devoured and broke in pieces, and stamped the residue with its feet; and concerning the ten horns that were on its head, and the other horn which came up and before which three of them fell, the horn which had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things, and which seemed greater than its fellows. As I looked, this horn made war with the saints, and prevailed over them.

Dear friends, do not be surprised when you hear of grave scandals even among people who are supposed to be holy. Do not condemn or judge anyone or make a mockery of them, do not conclude that all Christians are hypocrites. Instead, let the words of Daniel today put you on guard, know that the spiritual life is a constant battle. And the only way we can overcome and stay victorious is PRAYER. Listen to the words of Jesus again: But watch at all times, praying that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of man. Did you get it? Pray that you may have strength to escape all these things that will take place. Prayer is what give us strength.

If for instance, you are finding it difficult to stop a particular sin, it is simply because you lack the strength to do so. Like one suffering from paralysis, you lack the power to move your body around. But prayer energises, it empowers, it is like fuel for your bone marrows. You need it and you need it ALL THE TIME. You need to be place your heart in the presence of God, never taking your gaze from him, allow your thoughts to dwell on God constantly even as you move about your daily activities. Then and then only, would you find true joy, true inspiration and you will find that pleasure that the world and all its useless dissipations cannot give. St. Augustine’s favourite quote remains true always: “Our hearts are restless until they rest in God.” How do our hearts rest in God? By prayer!

Prayer is the key.

Let us Pray:
Lord Jesus, help me to rid myself of worldliness, take my heart and let it be yours always. Amen.


Good morning. Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. Happy weekend.

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