RBWords

     The Catholic tradition has a very rich devotional world.  I can't even begin to list just those that are well known in the U.S.A., let alone the international resources.  Properly understood and used, these devotions are a great help to the faith of many people.  The challenge is to properly understand and use them.  Some folks are certain that a particular devotion operates like a magic formula.  As pastor, I would occasionally find materials in the back of the church with words like this printed large: "NEVER KNOWN TO FAIL."    I have met sincere Catholics with thick wads of devotional material who had somehow added up the spiritual benefits promised on those materials and felt they were guaranteed, as a result of using these materials, a place in heaven.

     Jesus promises us that we do not have to use "many words."  He gives us a great example in what we Catholics call "The Our Father!"  On the wall of my room there is a painting of a boy out in a field with a rock in his hand, getting ready to throw it in the sky in the hopes of hitting God because he was angry with God.  I use this example on retreats and parish missions to point out that although this kid was enraged at God, he was definitely engaged with God.  That is what prayer is.  Prayer is in the relationship and not in the words.  One could simply read through the "Our Father" and see this truth!  A good relationship involves listening to the other.  If we are doing all the talking, how will we ever really know God?  It's a simple lesson, part of Christianity 101, that Jesus is teaching us.  Are we listening?  AMEN