Secret Weapon

As the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) comes to a glorious end, the sentiments of thanksgiving, joy and renewed commitment for mission shine in our hearts. It is also worthwhile to read, recall and ponder on the messages and testimonies delivered, and to look deep into one’s heart and be touched and touch other hearts in order to deepen one’s inner communion with the Living Presence guiding our journey through life.

What a strong relationship that keeps growing as one gives ample time for prayer. Prayer remains our ‘Secret Weapon’ amidst the trials and travails of life. God listens to every sincere expression of prayer and sends the needed response in His own good time. Prayer keeps opening the heart to hope, as the papal legate Charles Cardinal Maung Bo put it in his closing homily, that the Church is ‘hope-generating fellowship’ and not an income-generating agency. The theme aptly points to “Christ in you, our Hope of Glory.”

Let our families maintain the daily devotion of praying together, especially the family rosary, while each person offers himself/herself to God in devout listening and trust…praying in quiet at every occasion one gets. A person or family that neglects prayer will fall and break down at the slightest provocation or contradiction, losing the hunger for the Eucharistic Bread, and the sense of solidarity and dialogue with the family of God.

May prayer keep our hearts burning for the Lord ‘broken and shared’ as did the disciples of Emmaus (cf. Lk. 24:30-32).