Clergy Notes — Assumption of the BVM, August 18, 2024

I remember awhile back, there was a whole movement on social media declaring that the offering of one’s ‘thoughts and prayers’ was no longer an acceptable response to those who were grieving or suffering in any capacity. On some level, I can understand the core of this complaint; after all, we have probably all been on the receiving end of spiritual (or secular) platitudes, and if so, we know firsthand exactly how ‘helpful’ that can be. I think most people genuinely mean well; it’s just that there are so few who are taught how to sit with someone in their discomfort without trying to fix it or make it feel better quickly. And, of course, we are all hard wired to want to do practical things like bring people casseroles, and ensure their kids are taken care of, and maybe even help them fold some laundry, or take them for coffee. All of those things are good and holy, and we should do them.

And yet, I fundamentally do not agree that praying for someone is not helpful. What indeed do we think we are supposed to do as Christians, if not pray?!? Of course, we have to back up our words with actions, and most people can sense when someone doesn’t really believe in the efficacy of the prayers they are offering. But prayer is not a backup plan or a last resort when we cannot think of anything ‘useful’ to do. Prayer is literally asking God to care for someone in the way they most need to be cared for, (whilst admitting we don’t always know what that is), and trusting God to respond to the needs of the world and the people God loves more than anyone else can.

We do not need to know HOW God answers prayer; we simply need to believe that somehow, God does, and somehow, prayer changes things. Prayer matters, because it connects us with the heart of God who is always inspiring our prayers; it joins us with the work of God which is always ongoing, and of which we are a part.

On this celebration of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, let us also remember that we can ask for Our Lady’s prayers, too: she who loves and is beloved of our very own Lord.

Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.

Mother Amanda

Download the Liturgy at Home booklet for Sunday, August 18, 2024.