Help from Our Father

by David Lins  |  10/17/2021  |  (Being) Catholic Matters

Last week, I used this column to reflect on God’s desire for us to pray, not only for the intentions of the world and others, but ourselves as well.

This week’s readings reinforce this message.
The Psalm Response says, “Lord, let your mercy be on us, as we place our trust in you.”

Then, the Second Reading (taken from Hebrews 4) says, “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”

In fact, Sacred Scripture is soaked from cover to cover with prayers requesting all manner of good gifts.

It is why it is the norm for parishes to reserve a single Mass each weekend for the intentions of the entire parish.

Each morning, my little one needs a parent to make her lunch for her day at preschool. She needs us to ensure her backpack has everything she needs for a successful day of learning. She needs me to drive her up the 101 and Pima. She needs me to walk her across the Church campus and ensure she gets to her class safely.

How is it that we do not recognize all the help we need from our Father to get through the opportunities and trials of each day? Why do we think everyone else needs prayers, but we can manage on our own?

Back to my daughter Georgiana, who at four, tries to do many things because (in her words) she is a “big girl.” She thinks she could drive, but she needs my help to get across town. She thinks she can make dinner all by herself, but I’m not so sure she is to be trusted with an oven and hot burners. :)

My point is simple: the child rarely fully recognizes how much they need their parent’s help.

I beg you to ask for food, armor, weapons, and other provisions before you go into battle.

Pride will get you nowhere...well...nowhere you want to go...

Questions? Comments? Reach David at dlins@oloj.org.

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