Readings: Exodus, 2 Timothy, Luke
Pray always without becoming weary.
If an alien were to visit our planet, it might quickly conclude that humanity’s most popular religion revolves around a mysterious black box. Every home has at least one— if not several shrines to it. Worshipers gather nightly for hours before it, eyes fixed in trance-like devotion. This “god” tells them what to think, what to buy, even for whom to vote. In recent years, this god went on a diet and is much, much thinner.
We spend hours before our screens, whether it be TVs or tablets, all the while neglecting the true God, the One who actually hears and loves us. In the Gospel this Sunday, Jesus tells us to “pray always without becoming weary.” He asked, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?” Real faith isn’t found in front of a glowing screen; it’s cultivated in prayer—daily, personal conversation with God.
Prayer, at its heart, is simply talking with God. Sometimes it’s vocal—words spoken aloud or in silence within our hearts. We offer praise, glorifying God for His goodness.
We make acts of contrition, seeking forgiveness for our sins. We lift up petitions, asking for what we or others truly need. And we give thanks, expressing gratitude for His countless blessings.
But a healthy relationship requires listening, too. Prayer isn’t a monologue—it’s a dialogue. Through meditation, we quiet our hearts so we can hear God’s gentle whisper. Just as lovers lean close to share a word of affection, God invites us to draw near and listen.
The Church offers powerful ways to do this—like the rosary or lectio divina – they are time-tested methods that help us focus our minds and hearts on God.
God doesn’t always answer our prayers the way we expect, but He always responds—with love that draws us toward perfect union with Him.
So tonight, before bowing down before the black box, turn it off. Spend that time with the living God. Speak to Him, listen to Him, and let faith be found alive in your heart.
Reflection
- What “black boxes” in my own life might be competing with my time and attention for God?
- Which form of vocal prayer—praise, contrition, petition, or thanksgiving—do I practice most often, and which one might I need to grow in?
- When was the last time I truly listened for God’s voice in silence, in meditation?