Father Maassen's Message - 05/05/24 - Saint Francis Borgia

Dear Missionary Disciples of Christ,
      I like this line from the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “...yet the living and true God tirelessly calls each person to that mysterious encounter known as prayer. In prayer, the faithful God’s initiative of live always comes first; our own first step is always a response…” (2567)

      Once, when I was writing about the necessity of prayer, I wrote, “If you want to live the life God has created for you and live according to your purpose in life… then yes, prayer is necessary,” I compared vocal prayer, mediation, and contemplation to breathing, eating, and resting.

      Now, let’s tasl about how to pray. First, I am not an expert on prayer, but I have been doing it most of my life. So, I’m a veteran, not an expert. If you remember anything about reading this, it would be to pray. Begin today and then begin again tomorrow.

      There are many prayers written over the centuries on various Catholic websites. You can also visit the Daughters of St. Paul’s bookstore on Watson Road and find numerous books with prayers and books about how to pray. You may discover some, that you like to pray. Here’s one that each of us should pray. It begins, “Our Father…”

      I recommend talking to our Lord openly and honestly. “Lord, I don’t understand this,” or “Jesus, could you help me with this?” or “Lord, I ask you…” When we ask God for something, this is a prayer of petition. When we ask God to help another, this a prayer of intercession. We can have this conversation silently or out loud. One of the great ways I pray is to offer prayers of thanksgiving. I thank God for life, eyesight, loving me into existence, and dying for me. I think you get the idea. Lastly, but certainly not least, I meditate on the love of the Holy Trinity for me. Perhaps, that should come first.

Peace,
Fr. Maassen