Do you have a tendency to twist the arm of God when you pray for something you desire badly? - Daily Reflections November 17,2014

PRAYER OF FAITH

 

Beggars and vendors at times can be annoying, I must confess. Let me explain before you judge and condemn me. They are annoying, not because they are beggars or are ambulant vendors. They can be obnoxious when they demand, when they call your attention by holding your hand, tugging your shirt, or tapping your shoulder, following you wherever you go, and badgering you until you capitulate. Ambulant vendors could also make you feel sorry for yourself, especially when they shove their wares almost at the tip of your nose, forcing you to buy something you don’t want or need.

       Time and again, however, I run into well-mannered kids who move me into buying their goods even if I have no need for them. And I meet up with vendors who almost make me feel guilty for not even noticing them.

       Why is this, you might ask? One simple reason: They have enough self-respect and dignity to treat their potential buyers with the same respect they have for themselves. They know how to treat people with respect, and that attitude simply shows in their overall behavior. They do not refer to you perfunctorily as Mister, Missus, Ma’am, Sir, Kuya or Ate, all uttered with hardly a tone of deference, but done as part of their daily routine.

       Today’s beggar must have caught the attention of the Lord precisely because he was not the typical beggar who would almost twist your arm to get what he wants. His plea was not just a selfish demand. His petition was really, first and foremost, a prayer of faith. He called the Lord by His name and acknowledged Him for who He was, the promised “Son of David.”

       The people, whom the blind man asked upon hearing the commotion of the crowds, were not as personal. The best answer they could come up with was “Jesus of Nazareth.” There was nothing warm and intimate between Jesus of Nazareth and the crowds who probably followed Him only out of curiosity.

       The blind man, however, showed more than just human warmth and esteem for the Lord. His was a prayer of faith, no less! Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

 

REFLECTION QUESTION: Do you have a tendency to twist the arm of God when you pray for something you desire badly?

 

May I learn to trust that You only want what’s best for me, Lord, every time I pray to You.