A Special Prayer
This Monday morning, prayer in the quiet of my room or in the small chapel of our home takes on a unique meaning. I am in the chapel of the Most Holy of Saint Anne, surrounded by a group of men and women who have been welcomed and are our friends. After enjoying a delicious breakfast in the charming Gothic cloister, we gather around the altar of the chapel to pray together. Today there were at least twenty-five of us, as that is the number of candles I counted at the end of our prayer.
Thanksgiving
During this time, I feel so comforted, perhaps because this prayer of gratitude that Jesus addressed to the Father is manifested, as related in the Gospel of Matthew: “I thank you, Father, because you have hidden these things from the wise and powerful. and you have revealed them to the simple… Yes, Father, because it has pleased you.” For me, this meeting becomes a real lesson on how to pray to the heavenly Father in the midst of some brothers gathered in his name.
Strength in Difficulty
Today, one of the men shared his gratitude to God because he feels that he receives strength in the midst of his adversities, one of which is the lack of a home. At that moment, I felt embarrassed for having previously complained about trivial inconveniences compared to these basic needs. This Monday morning prayer session becomes a true learning space for me, receiving lessons from these masters of prayer, who are Jesus’ favorites.
The Simplicity of Faith
In particular, when listening to the reflections of one of these praying people, considered for his faith and evangelical simplicity, I imagine Jesus addressing him with words similar to those he said one day to Simon Peter: “Flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven.” In this prayer meeting, what Jesus expressed with admiration when addressing the simplicity of Peter, who recognized Christ, is once again reaffirmed.
Gospel Experience
I assure you that in these prayers shared with our brothers welcomed in Santa Ana, I experience the Gospel with a clarity that perhaps I would not obtain in a Theology class. It is a truth that is revealed by the heavenly Father to the simple and humble of heart.