By Tom Thomas –
These days of pandemic and lockdowns with the family stuck at home, one would think that there is enough time and more for prayer. Paradoxically, this does not seem to be the case: the online classes of children and the subsequent homework to be done, keep them occupied in different corners of the house. The online Mass which can be played as convenience, no separation between work and home, always on technology means it is a battle for prayer time.
(Illustration by Fr Benny Palliparambil)
This is historic. The battle for prayer as first described in CC2573 depicts the battle of Jacob in prayer the whole night as he was in a moment of despair before he was to meet his brother Esau and huge contingent and was not sure of the outcome. So, we are told in Genesis 32: 22-32 how he left everything he had and battled the whole night in prayer ALONE and finally emerged victorious and found redemption due to his perseverance. But he was forever changed by this encounter. Jacob who had wrestled things from others all his life, was outwrestled and in deed left with a limp for life so that he could wrestle no more.
So, when we face our moments of despair, dejection and agony, we do need to follow the example of Jacob by praying ALONE in Night Vigil. Then the Lord will give us insights and guidance on how to face the situations we come across. We are told in Genesis 33:3-11 how Jacob’s encounter with his brother Esau thereafter was one of humility and this dramatically altered the relationship between the two brothers from one of murderous animosity to that of filial love and affection.
However, what does one do when one does not have the luxury to take off time alone and spend time in night vigil? CCC2743; says it is always possible to pray. This is a real battle to always keep praying when one has to face many seemingly impossible situations. These situations become possible for us to face when we pray through these dark and desolate moments, for the people who knowingly or unknowingly persecute us. And often, this can turn out to be the people closest to us.
And some day, we can be sure, this prayer will pierce through the hearts of these people and God will speak to them. The moment will not be of our choosing but of the Lord’s. Let us think how many years St Monica prayed for her son’s conversion and St Augustine became one of the great thinkers and figures of Christianity. Similarly, we can think that the Conversion of Saul to Paul must have been wrought in some part by the countless tears and prayers of the early Christians that he persecuted. Or Dr Felix Leseur, an atheist converted to become ultimately a Dominican Priest by the tears and prayers of his wife Elisabeth Leseur. And this change did not happen in Elisabeth’s lifetime but after her death.
These are all real examples before us that no matter the battles to prayer, one should always keep praying, no matter what the circumstance are, and the ultimate victory will belong to the Lord who will turn all situations to our good. Keep battling on in prayer always! God Bless!