Journey of Faith, August 16, 2020
“For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor present things, nor future things… nor any other creature will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Maybe you have been to Mary’s Knoll—the place I call home. Or maybe one day you will visit us.
The first place I will take you to is our chapel, Our Lady Queen of the Apostles, where we gather in prayer. Outside the chapel is a dedication plaque embossed with today’s scripture from Isaiah.
I love pausing here to remember the role of prayer in our lives. Prayer is our personal lifeline, something as basic—and necessary—as the air we breathe. It’s the centering experience that places us in God’s good care.
What then is a house of prayer and where might it be?
A house of prayer is certainly our chapel and your parish church. But it can also be inside your heart where you have your deepest conversations with God… the place you share your troubles, ask for help, and give thanks. Inside the heart is where we can also grow as missioners.
One of my most fervent prayers as a Maryknoll priest is for an understanding that we are all God’s children tasked with caring for one another… that we acknowledge the worth of all people, especially those struggling with sickness, job loss, family separation, and personal tragedies. That we become the missioners we were called to be. Like the woman in today’s gospel, our faith will be rewarded with the presence of God. And we will become pillars in the one true house of prayer that is our Church, welcoming all to salvation in Christ.
Friend, let me add a personal note about the power of prayer: I know you have been praying for the Maryknoll family overseas and those of us who live in the New York area where the pandemic has taken an enormous toll.
I want to assure you that you are present in our house of prayer and in our hearts. And your good will is a healing presence that we will long remember in gratitude.
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