There is a story about a little girl who in the season of Lent was told by her parents to pray because there were so many misfortunes and sufferings in her family and the world. And so, the little child prayed and said, “dear Lord, my sister has COVID and my big brother is always crying about discrimination as a migrant. My twin brother has a disability and daddy lost his job and always fighting with everybody, especially mummy.
Now they say it is Lent, so my food ration has been reduced but I have to pray more hours to you and share the little that I have. To make things worse, some big countries are fighting and killing small nations so mercilessly. And those other big countries who could have intervened are all on self-imposed quarantine, so they are offering lip service from home, the call it smart working.
So dear God, I am really confused as to what a small girl like me can do but I know you can do something, but please take care of yourself if you are coming to help us, because we are all in darkness. If anything happens to you too, we will all be in hot soup. Amen”
Wow, what a prayer! There is no tragedy like the tragedy of the unopened gift or passing the bucket. Our determination to make a difference in the world depends on whether we are willing to take our God given gifts out of the “box”.
It is amazing how often we forget this, but rather look up to others to bring change. True change must begin from you! Too many of us blame our failure to open our gifts on some external circumstances:
- I would have developed my gifts more fully, but I have a manager or spouse who chokes my initiatives.
- I would find another occupation, but I need money/security/someone to push or place me.
- I would devote myself more fully to spiritual growth this Lent, but I haven’t found time so far.
- I would have helped my neighbour in need, if not because I am social distancing and working from home.
- When I feel more confident or it is less inconvenient, then I’ll try using my gifts and superpowers.
- When my friend has been silenced and finally broken, then I’ll make noise about what killed him and call for social media solidarity.”
- When I have more time and money, then I’ll serve God the way I should.
Our world today is filled with so many so-called noble men and women whose professions, degrees and attitudes about the essential needs and cries of humankind that does not affect them today is like the ancient Shakespearean drama called “Much Ado About Nothing.” F.B. Meyer, the author of the great little book, The Secret of Guidance said, “The great tragedy of life is not unanswered prayer, but un-offered prayer.”
In 1952, Albert Einstein was delivering a lecture on the campus of Princeton University. A doctoral student asked the famous scientist “What is there left in the world for original dissertation research?” With considerate thought and profundity Einstein replied, “Find out about prayer.
Somebody must find out about prayer.” I bet Einstein yearn to see that little girl who has learnt how to pray, when big men and women, be it in politics, in the church, family circles or relationships, are fighting about much I do about nothing. You cannot really be a good Christian and not learn to pray and act honestly like that little girl, just like you cannot have a good marriage if you don’t talk to your spouse.
You can be a Christian and not pray, just like you can be married and not communicate with your better half. But in both conditions, you will be miserable. Let all who feel challenged today step up their game of responsibility before it is too late to do something good.
May your week not be weak but with Him. I send you my prayerful wishes for the week. (By Fr. Ray®acc.GH)
