Obviously Jesus didn’t own a cat, otherwise the parable in Sunday’s reading would feature the persistence of a cat rather than a widow. When your cat begs you for food, expect a deafening concert of meows, and cats don’t have a remote with a mute button! That must be the kind of persistence God wants in our prayers to Him too. Or maybe more, since cats offer you all the theological virtues: Faith, Hope and Love.
Cats show you their love by rubbing against your legs so vigorously that you better sit down lest you fall, and with improved access to your legs, they’ll dig their claws into your trousers. Is that what God’s looking for? Maybe; He did have Jeremiah (13:11) to tell us that He wants us to cling to Him like tight underwear. When we pray to God do we show such love for Him, or just meow loudly for what we want?
When cats beg, they show their faith by coming to you, looking you in the eyes, and asking you for what they want. Oh, if possible, they would open the pantry door, and find food for themselves. But lacking an opposable thumb, they must rely on a greater power. When we pray, do we admit our limitations? Do we believe that God can answer prayers? Do we show our Faith in Him, or just beg meowingly?
Catechism of the Catholic Church (1820) says that Hope links Faith and Love, but cats already knew that. They believe in you, love you and know you love them, and that they can expect good from you. When we pray, do we show such a trusting relationship with God? If so, keep meowing; we can expect good from Him!
Stan Wearden is professor of statistics at WVU and a member of St. John's.
Recommended Reading:
God's Plan for You by Fr. Bekeh Utietiang
Question of the Week:
What strengthens me in faith and trust? When I lay a petition before the Lord, do I trust that God will take care of it?
http://wvudoubtingthomas.blogspot.com
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