WHEN WILL GOD ANSWER YOUR PRAYER...?

Twenty-ninth Sunday in Ordinary Time

"I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily. But when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Lk. 18:1-8)

Lately I've been going through some things that really got me down. I need someone somebody to help me come and turn my life around. I can't explain, I can't obtain it. Jesus your love is so, it's so amazing. It gets me high up to the sky, and when I think about your goodness it makes me wanna stomp. Makes me clap my hands. Makes me wanna dance and stomp. My brother can't you see I got the victory. STOMP!!! Kirk Franklyn

Thank you, Kirk Franklyn, for those inspiring words; however, lately, the things that have been happening have prevented me from clapping my hands and stomping my feet. Early this year, faced with a second surgery in two years and a new government administration, I wondered why God did not answer my prayers. Did God heal my body? Yes! But I have no shame in my game; I did not want a second surgery. And what about our new government administration? Children are being snatched from schools illegally. GI Joe soldiers are being deployed in selected cities, which looks more like sanctioned terrorism as opposed to keeping people safe. Is the United States a terrorist country?

There's the government shutdown, which is troubling. I bet you know people like I do who have been fervently hoping not to be furloughed during this upcoming festive season. As the holidays approach, my list of friends and family praying to keep their back pay and jobs just keeps growing. Despite their heartfelt and humble prayers, some have lost income and employment. These are genuinely wonderful people! Today, they might echo the psalmist's words, "Will the Lord reject us forever, never again show favor? Has God’s mercy ceased forever? Is the promise to go unfulfilled for future ages? Has God forgotten how to show mercy, in anger withheld his compassion?” (Ps. 77:8-10). Many today are wondering when God will answer their prayers.

For this reason, Sunday's readings make me want to stomp my feet and clap my hands with excitement! In the Exodus reading, when Moses' hands grew tired, "the men placed a rock for him to sit on. Meanwhile, Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side and one on the other, so that his hands remained steady till sunset." This passage beautifully demonstrates the power of unity and support. Don't tell me men don't pray—because the lesson here is never to pray alone! Share what's happening with your BFFL, significant other, spouse, family members, and friends. Let them join you in prayer and lift your hands toward the hills where your help comes from. The psalmist joyfully declared, "I lift up my eyes toward the mountains; whence shall help come to me? My help is from the LORD, who made heaven and earth." Church, your help is on the way!

In addition to the joy of never praying alone, let's dive into the amazing words of Paul to his young protégé, Timothy, in our second reading: "Remain faithful to what you have learned and believed, because you know from whom you learned it, and that from infancy you have known the sacred Scriptures..."(2 Tim. 3:14-15). This powerful message is our second lesson to remain faithful to what you learned and believed. Paul's mention of infancy invites us to celebrate our ancestors who, even during our early years, persevered through tough times, whether climbing the rough side of the mountain or working tirelessly from sunrise to sunset. Our forefathers, foremothers, and others didn't have an easy path, but they kept moving forward, fueled by the power of prayer. Even while we were in our mother's womb, our infancy, they whispered scriptures like, "The Lord is my Shepherd" (Ps. 23:1), or "All day long he is gracious and lends, and his offspring become a blessing" (Ps. 37:26)! Cee Cee Winans, you are absolutely right, "All my life God has been faithful! Remember, "All Scripture is inspired by God..." (2 Tim. 3:16).

My final point on when God will answer our prayers is powerfully illustrated in the Gospel reading from Luke. Jesus shares a parable about a woman who persistently approaches a judge, demanding, "Render a just decision for me against my adversary" (Lk . 18:3). This judge was as stubborn as our current government administration. However, he eventually made a just decision, stating, "Because this widow keeps bothering me, I shall deliver a just decision for her" (Lk . 18:5). The lesson from this parable is clear: justice is achieved through faithful prayer. Jesus asked, "When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" (Lk. 18:8).

God responds to our prayers with justice and faith. Moses sought justice in his battles against the Israelites' enemies. Our ancestors demanded justice through the Middle Passage, Black Code Laws, Jim Crow, Black and White Bathroom labels, and more. I had to exercise my faith deeply to achieve healing, with my family supporting me every step of the way; as I mentioned, there is no shame in my game! I am not a super prophet; I needed help.

Today, amidst the chaos, turn to the God of Justice in your life. When you pray, are you seeking justice for the common good of those around you, or are you merely seeking personal gain, a "Payday Candy God"?

The Book of James reads, "You ask but do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions...Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you" (Ja. 4:3, 8).

My brother and sister, can't you see that when we pray with justice and faith, our prayers are answered? Stomp.

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