Anyways, Father Mitas said a few things this morning that really hit me and made the mass completely worth it. The overall theme was persistance in prayer yet also the words "Thy will be done." He was talking about Paul and how he was a prideful person. He prayed and prayed that God take away the things that he had to deal with but God never did. Finally, after asking three times for God to take it away, he realized why he didn't. God was testing him, in a way. By not having things go his way, God was teaching Paul humility.
And that one just really resonated with me. It is so easy for us to forget that when we don't always get what we pray for, God has a bigger plan and just might be teaching us something. And like Paul, it keeps us humble. It reminds us that we are not in control here, God is.
The overall point here is not to say that persistance in prayer is a waste of time either. Moreover, it brings us closer to God and can also bring peace and acceptance in our lives. Rather than being upset that it doesn't go our way, through prayer we can come to a better understanding that "Well, I guess it's just not meant to be" and move on in life, versus being hung up over it, you know? And the other point he made was that after praying for something for over a year, you might not even be in the same place or want it anymore. It is the same as being a parent on earth: when your child asks for something, do you always say yes? Chances are you say no more than just giving them everything they want. And most times it's just an impulse anyways, so a week may go by and the child doesn't even care about it any more. Well, he pointed out that God acts in a similar way. It makes so much sense, doesn't it!?
This is just what we were talking about today, Jamie! My priest is so wise, isn't he? :) Definitely good thoughts that more people should consider when accusing God of not caring. He loves us more than anyone else could possibly because he knows us the best.
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