Will there be faith?

It is kind of a pessimistic question Jesus asks at the end of the gospel today. "But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Do we think it should be the case that prayer is easy? In both the first reading and the gospel we learn that it takes perseverance. It is hard. And it is something we cannot do on our own. We need, before all else, God's grace. It is when we come with an openness to God's grace that prayer can begin. And we need the support of others too. It is why it is so important to come to Mass. Ask for God's grace. Ask God to help you to pray. (The apostles did.) Open the bible, go to adoration, practice lectio divina, pray the rosary or sit in silence. And pray. It makes all the difference, because you will be reminded you are never alone.

Homily for 29th Sunday in Ordinary Time given at Our Lady of Lourdes, University City, Missouri, on October 20, 2019.

It is kind of a pessimistic question Jesus asks at the end of the gospel today. “But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Do we think it should be the case that prayer is easy? In both the first reading and the gospel we learn that it takes perseverance. It is hard. And it is something we cannot do on our own. We need, before all else, God’s grace. It is when we come with an openness to God’s grace that prayer can begin. And we need the support of others too. It is why it is so important to come to Mass. Ask for God’s grace. Ask God to help you to pray. (The apostles did.) Open the bible, go to adoration, practice lectio divina, pray the rosary or sit in silence. And pray. It makes all the difference, because you will be reminded you are never alone.

Readings for Today