HEARTFELT AND AFFECTIONATE PRAYER
We have already noted from yesterday that our Gospel passages these days are unique. It is of course the prayer of Jesus for us, the High Priestly Prayer. In the words of the Preface for Easter III, He is indeed “our priest, our advocate who pleads our cause.”
In the meantime, our First Reading today is also a very tender scene. It is the farewell of Paul to the church leaders of Ephesus, with him giving them his final advice before he leaves for Jerusalem. Afterwards, it is stated that Paul “knelt down with them all and prayed. They began to weep without restraint, throwing his arms around him and kissing him.”
Somehow we can understand such a display of heartfelt emotions and affectionate gestures on the part of the early Christian community. They would never see Paul again after that. Also we, in our prayer, need not be “stiff and formal,” as though it’s only done through formulas and rituals. Giving way to our genuine feelings and sincere affections need not be alien to prayer.
Just like the Ephesians together with Paul then, our prayer should be just as heartfelt, affectionate and sincere. And, if even Jesus Himself prays (for us, at that), then there should be no excuses for us to skip this most important expression and component of our faith. Fr. Martin Macasaet, SDB
REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How open are you in expressing to God your deepest feelings and thoughts? What is preventing you from doing so?
Father in heaven, help me to break down the barriers between us. Help me to see You as a gentle and loving God who accepts me as I am, weaknesses and all.
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