Word to the Wise
Wednesday, October 31, 2007 - Thirtieth Wednesday in Ordinary Time (All Hallows E'en)
[Romans 8:26-30 and Luke 13:22-30]The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings. And the one who searches hearts know that is the intention of the Spirit, because he intercedes for the holy ones according to God's will.
That HAS to be the most consoling passage in all of St. Paul's writings - at least it is for me. There are times when I just don't know what to say to God about a particular situation. I have to let the Holy Spirit pray FOR me and trust that God will read my heart and understand. What comes to mind most vividly in this regard is "the Merton Prayer." You can actually type those words into your search engine and the prayer will come up - it is that well known. Here it is and I think it captures St. Paul's doctrine well: My Lord God, I have no idea where I am going. I do not see the road ahead of me. I cannot know for certain where it will end. Nor do I really know myself, and the fact that I think that I am following your will does not mean that I am actually doing so. But I believe that the desire to please you does in fact please you. And I hope I have that desire in all that I am doing. I hope that I will never do anything apart from that desire. And I know that if I do this you will lead me by the right road though I may know nothing about it. Therefore will I trust you always though I may seem to be lost and in the shadow of death. I will not fear, for you are ever with me, and you will never leave me to face my perils alone. AMEN!