the Lord hears our cries

Readings for Wednesday July 1, 2009

First Reading: Genesis 21:5, 8-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 34
Gospel: Matthew 8:28-34


So she put the child down under a shrub, and then went and sat down opposite him, about a bowshot away; for she said to herself, "Let me not watch to see the child die." As she sat opposite Ishmael, he began to cry. God heard the boy's cry, and God's messenger called to Hagar from heaven: "What is the matter, Hagar? Don't be afraid; God has heard the boy's cry in this plight of his. Arise, lift up the boy and hold him by the hand; for I will make of him a great nation." Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went and filled the skin with water, and then let the boy drink. God was with the boy as he grew up. (Genesis 21:15-20)

In today's first reading, it seems as though Hagar is in a hopeless situation. Forced to leave her home and the father of her child and now she is wandering around in the wilderness without water, and to top it off her son Ishmael is crying. Talk about a rough day. It is clear that from her words, Hagar has begun to lose hope, but in His great mercy the Lord sends His messenger down to give her words of comfort. The Lord also takes care of their physical needs by showing her a well of water. I am sure that from this event that Hagar became certain that she could put her trust in the Lord.

How many times do we just lose hope? It seems as though it is a constant cycle that we go through in our lives. Tragedy occurs and then we lose hope, but then God hears our prayers and helps us through the situation, and we learn once again that we can trust God. This just seems like a cycle that we repeat too many times in our lives. We must remember that no matter what is going on that we need to put all of our trust in the Lord. For He is good and merciful, He will always look after our needs. Think back to all the times that you have prayed to God, and how many times He has given you exactly what you needed. It may not be what you had wanted or exactly what you prayed for, but it is what you needed. God does not forget about us or only get to us when it is convenient, He is always there for us no matter what time of the day we can call on Him for the comfort we need.

The next time that we are in a hopeless situation, let us remember the words of Jesus: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Matt 11:28-30)

Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Help us to make this day all it was meant to be. Lord, help us to be the sons and daughters that we were created to be. Lord, we praise you for the gift of our lives and for all that you bless us with. Help to always be thankful and come to trust in you in our time of need. We pray for all of our priests, that they may be strengthened in their ministry and faithful in their vows. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.