Sometimes All We Can Do is Pray

In this part of the world, we find ourselves in early autumn. Soon, leaves will produce a celebration of color in anticipation of what I hope will be a mild winter. Seasons unfold on their terms; we adjust.

The school year is well underway, and from pre-school through university, the academic life’s challenges, successes, and setbacks have become routine.

A Good Day

I can remember picking up our children and grandchildren from school years ago and sensing right away whether they had a “good day” or if something negative had happened. Maybe it was a poor test grade, a sour word from a friend, a correction from a teacher, or simply the weather prevented outdoor recess. Sometimes, the kids would blurt out the offending incident, and other times, they would walk along, suffering in silence.

An Opportunity

As adults, we know suffering and discouragement are part of life’s landscape. Knowing that doesn’t make the feelings disappear, but it’s a start. When I was in elementary school, the sisters suggested that “we offer up” whatever suffering we endured. I think I was too young to understand the advice. I’m not sure if I understand it now. Perhaps it meant that suffering, whether minor setback or major crisis, is always an opportunity to respond in faith, that even in desperation and heartache, we believe we are not alone or forgotten. Sometimes, all we can do is pray for faith.

Christians are called to accompany those who endure life’s setbacks. We offer our compassion. St. Paul observed, “Love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8a)

In The Light of Mystery

We are looking forward to October, the month of the Holy Rosary. The Mysteries of the Rosary come to mind: Joyful, Sorrowful, Glorious, and Light. The faith moments these titles include open a way for reflection. We pray in relationship with the Mother of Jesus. The Rosary brings us to fertile ground for deepening our response to all life’s challenges. Joy, sorrow, glory, and light are dimensions woven through all our days and remind us of how we respond in faith to every human need.

“Put on then as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” (Colossians 3:12).

Let us pray to be the Lord’s compassionate healing in the world. The Lord knows our setbacks and suffering. He is with us in all these experiences. He empowers us to love.