Scripture Reflection for Sunday
November 30
by Dave O’Donnell
The operative word in this Sunday’s Gospel selection (MK 13: 33-37) is “Watch”. It has much in common with words like knock, ask and see. To a person who believes in an accessible God, “listen” another important word, has a potential not available to someone who doesn’t.
When I was a younger more troubled fellow with a lot more questions, my prayers were often answered, I believed by God, but in the words of a friend’s casual comment or maybe by a song on the radio. I was given direction by co-incidence that came across to me as spirit filled advice. I believe we are all in the palm of God’s hands and our prayers are answered but it takes faith to hear the answer.
I am a more mature and peaceful person today but God still answers my prayers with power that can shock me. I find if I give thanks immediately after my prayers, if I’m in a state of appreciation, the answer comes clearer and faster. I am in constant dialogue with myself. When I make room for God in that dialogue that’s called prayer.
The novelist Flannery O’Conner said: “Faith is what someone knows to be true, whether they believe it or not”. I know that God answers prayer but when I believe it, everything changes.
We are a community of laymen and laywomen who, with vowed Passionists, seek to share in the charism of St. Paul of the Cross through prayer, ongoing spiritual formation, and proclamation of the message of Christ Crucified.
