Monday of the
Seventh Week in Ordinary Time
(Sirach 1:1-10; Mark 9:14-29)
Since Charles Darwin explained the evolution of the
species, many Christians have had trouble believing. They say with the father of the demoniac in
today’ gospel, “’I do believe; help my unbelief.’” We live in awe of science with its own brand
of wisdom to explain how the world works.
Nevertheless, Jesus invites us to another, deeper wisdom. Science is hardly likely to satisfy all our needs. Yet God is ready to assist us in the endeavor
to live free from fear and distress as Jesus shows here. When we pray with confidence and diligence,
God comes to our sides. He provides what
we need whether by granting our literal request or the means to grow in charity. After all, it is the latter which makes us like
Him, the immortal Creator.
We have all heard of the prayer for serenity: “God, grant
me serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things
I can, and wisdom to know the difference.”
The prayer helps us face our own limits when we feel responsibility weighing
heavily upon us. The prayer may be
altered when our faith wanes. We could pray: “Lord, grant me wisdom to know
You, prayer to seek you, and love to remain with You.”