SATURDAY, CHRISTMASTIDE
1 Jn 5: 14-21 Ps 149: 1-6, 9 Jn 3: 22-30
GOD HEARS US!
In today’s readings, we encounter a profound and comforting truth: God hears us. While this may sound simple, it is a reality we often overlook. St. John assures us that if we ask anything according to God’s will, He hears and answers. Yet, let’s be honest—there are times when our prayers seem to go unanswered, or the outcomes don’t align with our hopes. The first reading reminds us that prayer is not about bending God’s will to ours but about aligning ourselves with His greater, perfect plan. This truth unfolds in three dimensions.
Humility in Prayer: The idea that the incomprehensible, omnipotent God listens to us can be humbling. The thought that, even though we are so small in the grand scheme of things and how chaotic the world is, the Creator of the universe pays attention to each individual heart can be humbling. Even when our words fail or our prayers seem lost in the noise, God hears and understands us fully. Prayer, then, becomes a space where we encounter the deep assurance that we are loved.
Intercessory Prayer: St. John challenges us to pray not only for ourselves but for others. He writes, “If anyone sees his brother or sister committing a sin, we should pray for them.” This call to intercede is an invitation to live with compassion and unity. In a world rife with division, prayer for others becomes an act of compassion, lifting them up to God’s mercy and grace.
Assurance in Faith: Finally, John reminds us that our confidence in prayer that we are heard by God, stems from our faith in Christ. Because we know who Jesus is—the Truth—we are called to live in the light of that truth, trusting that God’s answers always flow from His wisdom and love. As John the Baptist declares in today’s Gospel, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” In prayer, may God’s will take precedence, and may His voice grow louder than our own.
Response: The Lord takes delight in his people.
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