HE SHOUTED ALL THE LOUDER

PRAYER PAUSE

Monday 14 November 2016, Joseph Pignatelli

HE SHOUTED ALL THE LOUDER

Pause. Enter into the stillness of God within.

Reading: “The people in front scolded him and told him to keep quiet, but he shouted all the louder, “Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me.” (Luke 18:35-43)

Reflection. We are familiar with blind Bartimaeus. He hears Jesus is passing by and pleads with him persistently despite the people around who want a quiet life. Jesus delights in his persistence and says, “Your faith has saved you.” Commitment. Perseverance. We know these words. And we know they bring us through. Joseph Pignatelli joined the Jesuits around 1750 and when the Society was suppressed in 1773 he just remained a Jesuit in his heart despite people round him saying, “Forget it! Do something else.” He persevered forty years and had the joy of seeing the beginnings of the restoration of the Society.

Prayer. Lord, teach us focus and perseverance, despite obstacles in our way.  Amen