Thought for the Week

The heartfelt prayer of a good man works very powerfully (James 5:16).

Teachers of wisdom spring up like weeds after rain. They are innovative in the way they deal with reality, breaking existing norms, bending the truth, and promising quick and easy success.

However, when a disciple of Christ sees the impermanence of earthly riches, he will see the invitation to persist in prayer, so as to maintain the true purpose and meaning of life.

Saint James, in his letter, encourages perseverance in prayer during peace and health as well as in misfortune and suffering.

It’s also about faith and the courage to be able to stand before the Lord.

And this is not lacking in those who pray for peace and justice in Ukraine.

People on their knees in the streets pleading in prayer for help. A young father crying as he sends his family away to safety, children hidden in shelters – and the world perseveres in prayer, in which every heart and knee is bent in prayer, and hands moving along the beads are a chain linking heaven to earth.

And arms have been opened to embrace hundreds of thousands of refugees, women, children and the elderly.

Bravery and courage came to the fore, and a people united to protect, help and support each other. Many nations came together to rebuke the aggressor and sustain the victim. A nation that is indignant has a right to hope, but woe to the one who rots in silence. (Cyprian Norwid)

I will persevere in prayer and offer what I can to aid the innocent.

Do you believe in the power of prayer? Do you believe that what is asked for in faith will be received? Do you believe that evil will ultimately be defeated by good? Do you have hope?

Father Tony Wood, St Kieran’s RC

Church, Campbeltown.