The Prayer of the Righteous Man is Powerful.

Homily for May 26, 2018.


“Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power in its effects.” James 5:16.

Once upon a time in this city, a primary school teacher was kidnapped by unknown persons. It was so devastating to the school children when they came to school the following morning and behold their classroom teacher was not there. When they learnt what had happened to their teacher, these young soldiers decided to pray vehemently for their teacher.

It was quite funny at the beginning but after two hours, the children would not just stop. They prayed they cried, they sang and behold they shook heaven. That same day, their teacher was released by her kidnappers in a rather strange manner; instead of demanding for ransom, they went down on their knees and asked the woman to pray for them and forgive them.

In today’s Gospel passage, people were bringing children to Jesus and the disciples tried to stop them. But when Jesus saw it, he rebuked the disciples for their ignorance. Children are often considered a nuisance when they are around but even though they are so easily distracted, there is something they possess which is precious and powerful; it is their inner purity or innocence so to say. This is so powerful, so much so that Jesus warned us a few days ago that those who destroy the innocence of children are better off drowned in the sea with a millstone around their necks.

When a person with a clean heart prays, his prayer is very loud. Yes, God listens even to the prayers of the worst sinners on earth because he is a Father of all. But as James puts it, “the prayer of the righteous man has great power in its effects.” God listens to all but that of a righteous man, that of an innocent child, that of a pure heart is different! In fact, as Jesus said: “whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” This means we all are encouraged to have a child-like (innocent, uncontaminated, humble, simple, joyful) hearts.

I know some persons who can afford to pay millions as school fees for their infants less than three-year-old yet they would cringe when told to pay a thousand naira monthly for neighbourhood security. Why? Their children mean the whole world to them. That is exactly how God sees us. God is ready to do anything for us but we have to also do our part, we have to ensure that we remain childlike, righteous and holy. We cannot continue giving God excuses every day such as “the body is not a piece of firewood.”

James gives us the example of Elijah saying he was a man like us yet his prayer affected the entire cosmos. We actually have no excuse for remaining in our sinfulness. Human nature is not bad in itself, human nature is what you make of it; it is extremely flexible and can adapt to any situation. You can either become an angel or a demon. It is up to you.

On the other hand, one may interpret James’ statement regarding the righteous man as referring to the elders (presbyters) of the church. As a church leader, a priest, a pastor, an evangelist, a father, a mother, a boss, a teacher, God has put you in charge of people and has also put his power in your hands such that as James says, if those under your care are sick, you have the power to lay hands on them and God will work through you. Take note, if you provide food on the table for your children, you also have spiritual power over your children. So pray for them, pray for your employees, pray for your congregation and remember that your prayers carry more weight if you add righteousness to it.

Is it the case that God only answers the righteous? No. But note that in Ephesians 6, Paul mentions righteousness as one of the weapons of our warfare. Make efforts to be righteous, make efforts to be childlike in your approach to the things of God. Do not despise God or act as though you don’t need him.

Above all, St. James today talks about two sacraments of the church; anointing of the sick and confession. These are two sacraments of healing and it takes faith on our part to enjoy their benefits. Believe that when a priest anoints you with oil, his prayer will heal you. Believe that when you tell a priest your sins, you are telling them to Jesus Christ himself and God who alone has the power to forgive, will forgive you and heal you of the wounds your sins have inflicted on your original innocence.

You can always tell God your sins directly but it is not the same as telling them to a priest. When you do it with faith, God gives you the grace of the sacrament. In the same way, you can always ask God to bless you but when you kneel before your father for a blessing, you agree with me that it is a different thing altogether. Do not despise confession.
 
Let us pray: Lord Jesus, make me a child again and determined to grow in righteousness. Amen.

Be Happy. Live Positive. Have Faith. It is well with you. God bless you. (Saturday of the 7th Week in Ordinary Time. Bible Study: James 5:13-16 and Mark 10:13-16).

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