Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary
(Malachi 3:13-20b; Luke 11:5-13)
The old lady was not Catholic, but she
enjoyed praying the rosary. She had
prayed it as a girl when she attended a “convent school.” She seemed to find the prayers a request for
access to the Lord that would be surely granted. In today’s gospel Jesus assures similar
efficacy for all prayers made with persistence.
Jesus helps his disciples appreciate the
need of prayer by comparing God to humans.
He says that God answers prayer to stop being badgered. He adds that God is like a father who would
not want anything evil to happy for his child.
As ridiculous it is to think of God as being badgered and as customary
it is to think of God as father, God’s benevolence goes beyond these
analogies. God wants us to be like
Himself – trusting and merciful.
God trusts us with freedom to choose what
is true and good. He wants us also to be
kind to others – ready to forgive their sins and help them improve. When we pray, whether it be the rosary or suppliant
intercessions, we draw closer to God, our goal in life.
