Courage is one of the cardinal virtues and it has to do with being persistent in the pursuit of one’s goals, in staying the course in good times and in bad. This is not easy to do in a world full of smoke and mirrors, dirty tricks and put-downs, but it is possible, with God’s help, to stay the course and fight the good fight to the end. Jesus recognizes the necessity of this kind of courage when it comes to prayer, and he relates a parable about the need “to pray always without becoming weary” ( Luke 18 : 1-6 ).

Life is not a flowery bed of ease. It is a gauntlet we must go through, and it takes courage to face that gauntlet. If you believe in what you are doing, and if you have the courage to stick with it, God will not abandon you, but will answer your prayer, and “see to it that justice is done.” Nothing lasts forever. Whatever trials or misfortunes befall you, they will pass. They will pass and be no more like dust in the wind. If you are a faithful Christian and pray without ceasing, you will be able to overcome the setbacks of life itself.

Many people go to church on Sunday out of routine. But, they never really listen. These people can be described as Sunday morning Christians. Their minds are on something else—a job, the family, a car, a movie or bills to pay. It is only when they awaken to the message they are hearing that they understand its power to liberate them from the monotony and grind of daily living. Life suddenly takes on a whole new meaning. This awakening or awareness normally happens when a person is plunged into a personal crisis and feels the need to delve deeper into the scriptures in search of meaning. I have often been approached by individuals who told me that they attended mass for years without ever really appreciating what was going on, without ever listening to the words they heard. They were like the people Jesus described as “having ears, but hear not.” [Mark 8:18]. But, what a transformation can take place when, in silent prayer, they let the word penetrate their minds and hearts. That takes courage!

Life does not have to boil down to an endless, monotonous routine, one day much like another. What makes life interesting is a sense of meaning, and something to strive for. Prayer or meditation on the scriptures can provide you with meaning and answers to your deepest needs.

At some point in our lives, we must face the fact that nothing in our world lasts for ever, neither fame nor riches nor poverty nor health nor success nor troubles, nor sickness, nor happiness. “Heaven and earth will pass away,” says the Lord, “but my words will never pass away.” [Matthew 24:35]. Jesus shares with us his word that will never pass away.

But, he wants you to invite him into your life by praying “always without becoming weary.”

—Fr. Hugh Duffy