Our Prayers Pierce the Clouds

The short passage from Sirach (35:12-14, 16-18), which serves as the first reading at Mass today, assures us that our prayers do not evaporate into empty space.  No, God  hears them, especially if they come from the heart, where there can be no deception, where honesty, our own weaknesses, and our own poverty cannot be disguised or hidden.  It is this naked prayer without pretense, the prayer that humbly recognizes that we need God, and have little to offer him except our desire for him and his mercy, that reaches the heavens.
The one who serves God willingly is heard,
his petition reaches the heavens.
The prayer of the lowly pierces the clouds; 
it does not rest till it reaches its goal,
nor will it withdraw till the Most High responds,
judges justly and affirms the right
and the Lord will not delay.  (Sir 35: 16-18)
As we pray today and in the future, let us stand in the back of the temple, and with the tax collector, pray with unabashed humility and total sincerity, the prayer which recognizes our need and the God alone who can fulfill it. Such a prayer will pierce the clouds.
Bro. Rene
P.S.  I will be in San Antonio, Texas attending a conference till Thursday evening.  I hope I will have internet access for my I Pad there so that I can continue to dole out a slice of Daily Bread.   Bear with me, if the slices do not arrive on time...