Fifth Sunday of Lent: The Power of Prayer
29th March 2020
Many people have told me over the phone of all the
various jobs and activities they have been doing while in isolation. Clearing out drawers and cupboards,
decorating back rooms and bathrooms, pottering around the garden and getting
round to those jobs they have never had the time to complete before. At the end
of each chat I find myself saying ‘God love you and keep praying.’ Keep
Praying. This isn’t an insincere platitude, a hollow phrase but something I
truly believe and know to be powerful. It is by praying we can make a
difference and help others.
The news this week has shown us the huge numbers of
people who are volunteering and working to combat the Coronovirus in our
country. We are seeing such powerful public shows of support like ‘the
applause’ for our NHS workers on Thursday and community groups looking out for
those who are the most vulnerable in their streets, flats and local areas.
Pictures of rainbows are being placed in windows to encourage and give hope.
All these things are showing the outside world that love and charity among
humankind is not dead.
We as brothers and sisters in Christ have a unique
role to play – prayer. It is through prayer that we are able to support,
encourage, aid and love those on the front line of this pandemic, those who are
anxious and worried, those who are suffering and mourning as well as those who
sadly have gone before us marked with the sign of faith.
‘As long as Moses kept his arms raised, Israel had
the advantage...’ (Ex 17:11a).
The people of Israel following Moses, after
liberation from slavery in Egypt, engage in battle with the Amalekites. Moses
stands at a distance and raises his hands in prayer and as soon as he does it
has an impact, the Israelites gain the upper hand. Though he is not in the heat
of battle his prayer aids the people of Israel and all goes well for them.
However, ‘...when he [Moses] let his arms fall, the advantage went to
Amalek.’ (Ex 17:11b)
All looks like doom and yet in this potential
tragedy Moses is blessed! He is not on his own, he is part of a community, a
family and because of this his prayer and their support leads the people of
Israel to victory.
‘But Moses’ arms grew heavy, so they took a stone
and put it under him and on this he sat, Aaron and Hur supporting his arms, one
on one side, one on the other; and his arms remained firm till sunset. With the
edge of the sword Joshua cut down Amalek and his people.’ (Ex
17:12-13)
This piece of scripture from the Old Testament
reminds us about the power of prayer. No matter where we are standing at this
time in our daily lives – the hospital, the supermarket, home or the garden –
our prayer will help our brothers and sisters in the battle to contain this
virus. No matter when we are tired, exhausted and our mind is distracted with
worry there is always another believer praying for us and the world. We may be
all in physical isolation but our prayers connect us with each other as we are
all part of the Body of Christ.
Today (Sunday 29th March 2020) at 12noon
our country will be re-dedicated as the Dowry of Mary. When is comes to prayer
Our Blessed Mother is thee model of prayer and intercession. It was St. John
Vianney who once wrote that when we ask Our Lady to pray with us our prayers become
scented with a beautiful perfume that is always pleasing to Jesus Christ our
Lord. Do watch the Holy Mass live at 12noon being streamed from Walsingham if
you can. The link is on our website.
I will be celebrating Mass at 11am today and though
it will not be public do know that I always bring your intentions to the Altar.
In the afternoon I will also be praying the Rosary and the Litany of Our Lady
in our own parish Chapel of Our Lady of Oswaldtwistle. Again know that each day
I ask her to pray for all parishioners of St. Mary’s and their families. For
the rest of the week Mass will be said at noon Monday – Saturday.
God Bless and do keep praying
Fr. O’Brien