Wednesday of the Eighth Week in Ordinary Time
Greatness is standing at the rim of the Grand Canyon at sunset and realizing the scene comes from God’s paintbrush. Greatness comes when looking up at the thousands of stars seen on a clear night from the middle of country field. Many of us could think of times when we have experienced God’s greatness. These moments of wonder and awe can help us feel we are encountering our God.
One of the ways we encounter God on a regular basis is through the sacraments, but on an even more fundamental level it is through our prayers. Yet paradoxically it is through our expectations of how prayer will be answered that we may actually encounter the Lord less.
In today’s Gospel John and James are seeking to place themselves in a position of greatness and authority. This will give them a greatness and demand a respect that is due only to God. This is their prayer. In a way, Jesus tells the disciples that this prayer cannot be answered by Himself. It is only the Father’s to answer. What happens to us when the answer we get to our prayers is ambiguous?
Ambiguity sometimes lasts a long time when it comes to our prayers. It does seem that the answer is often given but we have trouble recognizing the answer. And yes here we could have a whole discussion about discernment. What really struck me in the reading though is that the prayer request while genuine, was selfish and perhaps misplaced. I know the Lord is hearing our prayers, I just wonder if we hear the prayers we offer. Consider the prayer requests you offer on a regular basis, do they allow God to be God?
Heavenly father, there are so many prayers that I offer that are selfish. Help me to examine the true intentions of the prayers that I offer, so that in hearing my prayers, I allow you to answer in the way you choose. Your will be done, not mine. Amen!
-Michael Montgomery