"low," i am with you
"The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds." —Sirach 35:17
Clouds can be a sign of God's presence or, figuratively speaking, a barrier preventing us from "getting through" to God. Clouds present no problem to the prayer of the lowly, for their prayer pierces the clouds.
We can surmise that the prayer of many people is not "getting through" to God, for many people pray infrequently. If they were "getting through," they probably would be encouraged to pray always (see Lk 18:1). Who wants to keep calling a phone number when you seldom "get through"? Many of us must not be lowly, or we would be "getting through" and praying more.
Signs of not being lowly are:
- not forgiving (see Mt 6:15),
- not going to Confession often,
- not submitting to the authority of the Lord through the Church (see Heb 13:17),
- focusing on ourselves (see Lk 18:11-12),
- comparing ourselves with others (see Lk 18:11),
- not washing others' feet through service (see Jn 13:14-15), and
- trying to live the "high life" of affluence and comfort.
Jesus is lowly — from the stable at Bethlehem to the cross on Calvary to appearing as bread and wine in the Eucharist. Be like the lowly Jesus, and your prayer will pierce the clouds.
Prayer: Jesus, gentle and lowly of heart, make my heart like Yours (see Mt 11:29).
Promise: "The Lord will continue to rescue me from all attempts to do me harm and will bring me safe to His heavenly kingdom." —2 Tm 4:18
Praise: "This is the Jesus God has raised up, and we are his witnesses" (Acts 2:32). Alleluia!
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 11, 2019
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