Parish Mission Talks: Night Three (and Other Happenings)

So Wednesday night was the final night of our parish's Lenten mission. The topics Father Warkulwiz discussed were basically on how to pray and pray well. He talked primarily about how difficult it is to pray and not be distracted (I wholeheartedly agree). He used a story about St. Bernard to illustrate this:

The Saint was traveling to another city with a young friend. This friend spent the first day in looking about him and appreciating the beautiful surroundings. In contrast, the priest kept his head bowed and his eyes fixed firmly before him. The friend noticed this, and towards the end of the day, asked St. Bernard why he did not look around him at the scenery. The saint replied that he was trying to avoid distraction while praying. The young man scoffed and replied that he had no trouble focusing while he prayed. The priest smiled and said, "If you can say one 'Our Father' without being distracted, then I will give you this fine donkey on which I am riding." The young man agreed and, after a moment, began to pray.

"Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy Name....can I have the saddle and bridle as well?"

Overcoming the temptation to become distracted during prayer is a hard struggle. Fortunately, the more you pray, the easier it is to focus, until you have no trouble at all (*sighs dreamily at the thought*). The same applies to visiting Our Lord in a Holy Hour frequently. The first hour might seem to drag on and on, but each time you go, the time passes faster until an hour doesn't seem like enough.

Another point he talked about was how important it is to be consistent and confident in prayer. He mentioned the story of the woman who kept pleading with the judge until he ruled in her favor. He also told us that praying to Mary is the best way to reach Our Lord, because she takes our prayers and perfects them, and then offers them to Jesus.

After the talk, Father did Exposition and Benediction with the Blessed Sacrament, and it was beautiful (even if I did miss the cue to start the "O Salutaris"...).

I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this year's mission. Usually I don't really because we tend to invite very...charismatic priests. But this year was quite enjoyable, and I hope Fr. Warkulwiz comes again next year. :)

As a side note: I wanted to ask you all to please please please pray for the soul of a woman from our parish who died quite unexpectedly last Saturday evening. The circumstances of her death were...not the best, and she desperately needs our prayers. :( Thanks!

~Grace