HE WENT OFF TO PRAY

 

HE WENT OFF TO PRAY

The scribes and Pharisees were livid with anger, discussing about what possibly to do with someone who annoyed and angered them no end. He was one who went against the grain and did the opposite of what they thought the Law so clearly stipulated.

It was, to say the least, moments of chaos and disturbance. Much more than anger filled the air. There was a lot of bad will. And there was some serious plotting—each and every one of them pure vexations to the spirit.

I, too, have had my share of similar toxic moments when the whole world seemed to conspire against me. I am sure you can relate somehow. We all experience being on the opposite end of warm acceptance and support, especially when envy begins to churn, and no matter what good you do, it all turns out bad in the perception of those who have decided long before to reject you.

When I hit rock bottom years ago, there was no way but up—up to the figurative mountains. The Lord climbed up the mountain to do the right thing while the world plotted against Him. He turned to His Father in prayer. When the world turned its back on Him, He turned toward the Father and communed in peace. When the world conspired, He sought to be inspired from above.

The next day, the great summons of the Twelve happened. The great call took place not in the context of fruitless debates and disturbance, but in prayerful silence and serenity of heart.

I grew up in a small, sleepy town more than threescore years ago. Life was simple, a little hard, but no doubt much quieter than it is now. I knew very prayerful people back then. They prayed when the harvest was threatened by a typhoon. They prayed when the harvest was aplenty.

Many saints have taught us what the Lord showed us by example. Go up your mountain and pray. Fr. Chito Dimaranan, SDB

---------- REFLECTION QUESTION ----------

In the midst of chaos, to whom do you usually turn to?

In You I find rest and peace, O Father! Amen.
Today, I pray for: _________________________