When we look at the world, we see suffering and chaos. We observe how influential people and nations seem to dominate, and how impunity appears to be the order of the day for the politically connected. We see genocides and invasions of countries, and wars that continue for years. Of course, we pray for a just resolution of these conflicts and for the suffering to end.
We see widespread poverty in our own country, corruption flourishing, and a culture of impunity. No matter how many commissions of enquiry are held, or how and where more dirt is uncovered, nothing significant happens to rectify the injustices. It is always blamed on apartheid, which was evil beyond description, but which does not justify a continuation of the evil by different perpetrators. We pray, “Lord, what can I do to make a difference?”
Closer to home, we see colleagues trapped in loveless relationships or friends suffering financial need. We see families struggling to stay together, or frustrations leading to abuse of substances and of vulnerable people. We see others who have left the church and who seem to be none the worse for that decision. We pray daily for their ‘conversion.’ Our own considered, but limited interventions don’t make any difference. And our prayers
appear to be falling on deaf ears.
We tell ourselves that God’s time is not our time, that God has the eternal perspective on things, which we fail to understand. All of this is true, of course. But it offers no consolation. It doesn’t stop the suffering. To the mystery of our apparently unanswered prayer, Jesus’ simple message is: keep praying. Don’t give up. God’s justice will ultimately prevail. It may take time, but it is going to
happen. This takes an act of hope and a leap of faith. But what is the alternative?
What suffering and pain do I want to see ended? What are the situations that trouble me most? Am I praying for them enough?
Reflections by Peter Knox SJ
