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| “Old Woman Praying” by Gerrit Dou, 1640s |
Commentary:
Reading 1: Malachi 3:13-20b
Commentary on Mal 3:13-20b
The Book of Malachi is placed after the Jews return from the Babylonian exile (probably around 445 B.C.) but before the appearance of Ezra and Nehemiah. Because of his severe criticism of the leadership, the author created a pen name, Malachi, which means in Hebrew “The Messenger”.
In this passage, Malachi’s oracle envisions a time when God will make an accounting of those who had remained faithful and those who had ignored God’s law. He envisions the day when the punishment of God will be applied to those evil ones and the faithful will bask in the healing rays of the “sun (Son) of justice.”
CCC: Mal 3:19 678
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Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
R. (Ps 40:5a) Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.
Commentary on Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Psalm 1 serves as a preface to the whole book of the psalms. The psalmist here exalts those who follow the Lord’s commands and reflects upon the blessings they will receive. As in Romans 6:19ff, this selection emphasizes the contrast between the salvation of the just and the punishment of the wicked.
This wisdom psalm begins by extolling the virtue of those who follow the law. The focus is to look to God for guidance and not to trust only in the counsel of men. Those who reject the law will be blown away like “chaff” an image used in the Gospel as well (Matthew 3:12).
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Gospel: Luke 11:5-13
Commentary on Lk11:5-13
In this passage from St. Luke’s Gospel the Lord continues his response to the disciple’s request to “teach them how to pray.” The Lord, using the story of the one friend asking another for bread (a strong Eucharistic reference) in the middle of the night as an instrument to tell them that God will always answer prayers, but in his own time (“I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.”) He makes his message clear in the verses that follow “ask and you will receive.”
CCC: Lk 11:5-13 2613; Lk 11:9 2761; Lk 11:13 443, 728, 2623, 2671
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Reflection:
We are told by Jesus’ clear statement that prayers are always answered: “For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” This unambiguous statement can be a source of great comfort to many. It can also be a door for the Evil One.
How many times has the question “Why did God let (insert some disaster or heinous act) happen?” Or, how many times has it been suggested that some action or natural disaster proves God does not even exist?
Let us consider for a moment our Lord’s purpose from the perspective of a human parent. If our child comes to us and says “Mom and Dad, I really want a pony. Will you get me one for my birthday?” If that family is living in a small apartment with no means of providing for additional board for an animal of that size, they would probably answer the child and say, “We’re sorry but we don’t have room for a pony.” They may even suggest an alternate pet out of love for their child. Now the child may not understand and may be disappointed, but the parents have answered.
Similarly, if we pray to our Heavenly Father saying; “Lord, my grandmother is very ill and in pain. Please heal her and make her strong.” The loving Father may look at your 90 year old grandmother and say to you; “Child, your grandmother has lived a long and full life. I will take her home to be with me.” We may not understand and even be angry with God (especially if it is not Grandma who is 90 but our daughter who is 15). But the Lord answers. And frequently, we must understand that some of our fondest wishes are either not practical (e.g. I pray that all strife in the Middle East ends – Now!). They may be arrogant (e.g. I pray that I receive top honors in school). Or they may even be selfish (e.g. I want my dog to live forever). God always answers but like an earthly parent, in spite of his great love for us and his desire for our happiness, he sometimes says no.
It is when God says no that the real danger comes in. The evil one will frequently whisper “yes”. He may say “Yes” the doctors can plug your grandmother (or your daughter) into machines that will keep her alive for a very long time. He may say “yes, we can get those honors. All you need to do is fudge a few grades.” He may say “Yes, you can get rid of the pain of rejection or loss. Have a couple more drinks or take a few pills and you will feel just fine.”
It is not simply a matter of wanting that the Lord refers to when he says; “…everyone who asks, receives” We must always have faith that what we ask of the Lord will be answered. We may not understand when the Lord says no, but if the yes sounds too easy, examine it closely and make sure it is not the deceiver who offers the easier option.
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