Reflections from the Heart – October 13, 2024

Twenty-eighth Sunday in Ordinary Time
by Fr. Ivan Olmo

“I prayed, and prudence was given me; I pleaded, and the spirit of wisdom came to me.” How would you describe your relationship, your prayer life with God to God? What you would say to him? How would you describe your prayer life and relationship with him? Is it great or non-existent? Is it awesome or stale and lifeless? Is it dry and barren or overflowing with gifts and gratitude? What would you tell God about him, about prayer? Is it boring, not worth it, hopeless? Do you believe prayer or having a relationship with God is too difficult or do you think – why even bother it doesn’t work, it’s pointless, God never listens? Prayer is not a thing or a process but a person, an intimate relationship. Prayer is how God chooses to listen to you. Whether you choose to express yourself verbally or choose to roll your eyes or choose to whine loudly or complain softly or love from the heart tenderly, God is still listening to you and hanging on every thought, word, emotion or silent prayer. God is always attentive and listening to you no matter how you choose to express yourself, including through a nasty or happy thought. The question is, if you are not praying with true intent or desire, or too crazy, super busy to spend any time with God, then whom are you relating to, who are you listening to, who is occupying your crazy, super busy life and can that person promise you true happiness and eternal life? Can that person promise to and fulfill your true, innermost, needed desires, like love you faithfully and listen attentively to you, respect you, believe in you? Will that person promise and commit to never humiliate you, abandon you, deceive or lie to you? Will that person be there when no one else is there to experience your worst or most unforgettable day? God is with you, committed to you, always there for you even when you choose not to pray. When you are asleep, God is there. When you decide to wake up or when you decide to catch some extra Zzzz’s, God is there. On your to way work, ministry or school, God is still there. Yes, even when you sin or decide to vacation and leave everything behind, including God, Faith, and Mass, God is still waiting for you in prayer. God is dedicated to you and is never far behind, waiting, hoping, longing for you to pray so that he may give you all you really need.