Prayer brings us into a deeper union with God and each other. Jesus was portrayed as a man of prayer. So passionate was His witness of prayer that His disciples asked Him to teach them how to effectively pray (Mt. 6:9-13; Lk. 11:1-4). Today’s encounter between Jesus and the royal official (Jn. 4:43-54) reveals three things about prayer: * It begins with humility: the weak human seeks the perfect Divine. * It is inclusive: pray for self and others (healthy and sick, friend and foe, living and the dead). * It calls for faith: God will always heal and save. Let us sincerely use this Season of Lent to rekindle and fan into flame, the joyful and confident encounter we are called to experience with our God in personal and intimate prayer. Lord Jesus, help us to trust in Your love, mercy and healing power. May we never fail to draw close to You in prayer, and see Your guiding hand always at work in our daily lives. Amen.

Blessings,

Fr. Howie

READINGS

http://usccb.org/bible/readings/040119.cfm