FIFTH SUNDAY OF THE YEAR
4 February 2018
Homily
About the earliest thing I remember praying for was a horse.
By the time I was in second grade Jesus was very real to me and I had learned,
that when you are in need, when you want something, you ask Jesus.
It may seem silly now but I had it all worked out how the horse would live in our garage.
I discussed these plans with Jesus and because my parents seemed so dead set against it,
I knew that only Jesus could make a horse appear in our garage.
What about you? What is the first thing you remember asking for in prayer? From Jesus?
The strange thing is that even though I didn’t get a horse by the time I was in 4th grade,
I was still praying to Jesus–but asking for different things.
In 4th grade I remember praying that Sr. Auralien wouldn’t tell my parents,
That I so soaked my pants playing king of the hill on the huge snow bank
during recess that I had to sit on newspapers the rest of the day
so I wouldn’t ruin the wooden desk seat.
As it turns out Sr. Auralien didn’t have to tell my mother. She had watched
my escapades out our kitchen window and guessed what happened.
Again, I’m not sure my childish prayers were answered, but it didn’t stop me praying, asking for stuff.
And it continues to this day. My asking for stuff–Although different.
Like Paul in the second reading, I ask to accept my lot in life–
Apparently, this is what I’m supposed to do.
I pray now to accept that, to do well and to accept what I don’t like about the church.
How has your prayer changed?
In the gospel today the Marcan author actually shows us the seamier side of the disciples early on
in their relationship with Jesus.
They go “hunting” for him (which is a better translation perhaps than pursued),
not because they miss him, or his friendship,
but really because they wanted more wonders, more miracles–
They say, “Everyone” is looking for you, but why? Because of the miracles.
Jesus seems to know this and then seems to say, “I hope you will want more than that from me.”
What do you want from Jesus?
I think it’s a fair question.
Looking at how your prayer has changed over your life (however long or short)
can go a long way to answer that question.