Greater things are revealed in Prayer

 GOSPEL THOUGHTS

25th Week – Friday

Gospel – Luke 9:18-22

First Reading – Eccl 3:1-11

Greater things are revealed in Prayer

1) Important Question about Jesus

Who do the crowds say that I am?”

Who do you say that  am? 

The above two questions are very important on the identity of Jesus

These questions will help us to understand about Jesus and to have deeper knowledge about Jesus 

2) The context in which these questions were asked

The Gospel clearly says that *when Jesus was praying in solitude, and the disciples were with him, He asked them*

It was in the context of prayer Jesus initiated these questions

This particular context (the context of prayer)  clearly tells us that, the greater realities are revealed only through the prayers. 

Prayer is a tremendous weapon to know the deeper realities of our salvation and specially about Jesus our Lord and Master. 

3) Jesus came to know the Will of God in and through the Prayer

Jesus had a deep relationship with His Heavenly Father. 

Early in the morning and late in the night and some times even during the day He was spending lots of time in prayer. 

It is firmly believed that, Jesus was able to know the will of God, in and through prayer. 

Prayer was a powerful instrument to know the deeper realities of the Kingdom of Heaven. 

4) All saints were enlightened through the prayer

Take any saint and reflect about their life. It is very clear that, many of the great things which they communicated to us were revealed to them in and through the prayer 

Mother Mary appeared many people when they were in deep prayer. This also an indication that greater things are revealed to us in and through prayer 

Today there are many people who communicate the message of the Gospel, which they received in deep prayer. 

5) Who do You say that I am?

First of all this is very personal question from Jesus to me. For everyone Jesus asks this question

 

Secondly, the answer to this question can not be copied from anywhere and others can't answer this question, since the question is asked for me. 

Thirdly, one can't depend on some one else's answer, because it becomes their answer. Jesus needs my personal answer

Fourthly, this question can be answered only through the power of prayer. In other words, only prayer will help us to understand and answer this question. 

6) Jesus asked the questions in the context of prayer

Jesus also invites us to know the deeper mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven in and through the prayer 

Am I convinced about the power of prayer in knowing the greater realities of the Kingdom of Heaven 

Do I use this method (prayer) in knowing the greater realities

So far what is the greatest revelation of God to me 

Is it through prayer or through any other means the revelation of the kingdom of Heaven revealed to me? 

What is my understanding about prayer?

God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones.

Fr Maxim D’Souza

Jeppu Seminary

Mangalore