A Communiity of Love

Today's selection from the Acts of the Apostles describes a tight-knit community of believers who were "of one heart and mind and no one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they had everything in common." (Acts 4:32)  There were no needy persons among them for people would sell their houses and give the proceeds to the Apostles to help those who had less. This certainly was an admirable and ideal period in the development of the Church and is the inspiration for communities today, especially communities of those committed to the consecrated life. The Church continually calls on its members to share what they can to help when disasters strike or annual collections are made to support work in poorer areas that cannot stand on their own.
In process right now, a large group of Rwandans, who twenty-five years ago, were devastated by the effects of the Genocide on their families and country, now, having received scholarships to study in the USA and through hard work, courage, determination and love for God and one another, are now coming together to establish a Foundation which will help other Rwandans complete their educations and thus have the opportunity to live a prosperous and productive life. These generous people realize that all they have has been GIFT and now it's time to GIFT others.  It is something right out of Acts 4:32-37 and stands as an example to all who think the ideal is not possible to live.  Thank you, kind and thoughtful people, for your courage, determination and witness.
Bro Rene

Born Again

The intriguing discussion between Nicodemus and Jesus captures our attention today (Jn 3:1-8).  A Pharisee, came to Jesus by night, seeking answers privately from the teacher whom he acknowledged came from God because of the signs he performed. Jesus told him  that he needed to be "born again", a phrase that is used today.  But, as Nicodemus asked, how can this happen  Do we re-enter to the womb?  No, spiritually, we can be transformed into a new person as the darkened church before the Easter Vigil is transformed by the Light of Christ as it enters in solemn procession and candles in the hands of the parishioners are lit from it.
We remember Catherine of Siena today, a life of a born again person, humble, yet dynamic in word and deed.  We too can be born again, sometimes dramatically through Cursillo or A.C.T.S, (Adoration, Community, Theology, Service), and sometimes gradually by daily fidelity to prayer, meditation on the Scriptures or service to the community.   The Easter Season is a time for such rebirth.
Bro. Rene     

God's Amazing Mercy

Today we celebrate Divine Mercy Sunday while remembering the story of "Doubting Thomas" which, upon reflection blend together for a substantial slice of bread to begin this second week of Easter.(cf. Jn 20:19-31). For his blatant disbelief, Thomas should have been chided by the other Apostles, and given a severe, embarrassing scolding by Jesus, but no, accepting Thomas where he was, Jesus takes his words and makes him "eat them.", inviting him to be believing, not unbelieving.  The response, "My Lord and my God", indicates a major reversal, change of direction and definitive commitment, that led Thomas to become a missionary who traveled 3,000 miles to India to spread the Good News about Jesus and give his life for him as a martyr. What a testimony to the power of mercy and grace.  And it can be ours too. May we join Thomas confessing with him, My Lord and my God, and step boldly into our families, work places and circles and friends to witness the Good News by our actions, and, if necessary, our words.
Bro. Rene

He Wants Us

Mark's conclusion to his Gospel (Mk 16:9-15) highlights the disbelief of the Eleven, even to the point of being scolded by Jesus for their unbelief and hardness of heart, yet he commissions them to "Go into the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature." (Mk 16:15). Over the centuries there have been some saintly proclaimers, while also many teachers, priests, brothers, sisters bishops and popes whose brokenness was more apparent than their wholeness, something that a look at ourselves affirms, and yet these are the people, WE are the people, Jesus wants to continue his work.  Astounding, the trust he puts in us.  Encouraging too, that despite our shortcomings, he loves us, forgives us and wants us.
Bro .Rene

Who's In Charge?

St. John presents a folksy picture of Post-Resurrection life among the Eleven in today's Gospel passage: (Jn 21:1-14)  As we know from previous accounts, the Risen Jesus was not always present to them as he had been, but appeared "out of the blue" as it were, now and then. Without Jesus and prior to Pentecost, they experienced a "down time" and in typical fashion, reverted to behaviors they had engaged in before they met Jesus.  So, Peter decided to go fishing, and several joined him.  It was not a good night for fishing, and they were despondently returning to shore when a man, hearing that they had caught nothing, told them where to cast their net once more. They did, probably wondering what this man knew that they, the experts didn't, and it filled with fish, to the point that they could not bring it in.  The disciple whom Jesus loved, John, recognized Jesus, told Peter who leapt out of the boat to join him on the shore.  We can imagine his heart was pounding with excitement.  And, yes, it was Jesus, cooking breakfast for them: a lovely early morning picnic of fish and friendship, but also a lesson that Jesus was still in charge, and that although things don't go according to our plans, he's always there with an alternative which tops anything we had in mind.
Bro. Rene  





St.

Still Doubting?

Today's gospel picks up where we left off yesterday when the two "Emmaus Men" were still reporting about their experience with the Risen Jesus, and he appeared in their midst. (Jn 24:35-48). Taken aback, they thought it was a ghost and were terrified. Jesus greeted them, saying "Peace be with you." ate a bit of baked fish and explained further his mission, assuring them that his death and resurrection were all part of "The Plan." 
How would we react to someone who came back from the dead?  How do we react when time after time, Jesus assures us that he knows our needs and takes care of them?  We still fall back into doubting the next time a challenge or obstacle clouds our vision, or blocks our path.  Patiently, Jesus explains and "hangs in there" with us. This is the Jesus who loves us and who waits for our love to mature into unconditional trust. May we continue to move toward it, one step, one day at a time even if it takes a lifetime, and it DOES!.
Bro. Rene

Feeding Our Souls

One of the most beloved of the post-Resurrection tales, the Road to Emmaus, gives us much on which to reflect today. (Lk 24:13-35). Cleopas and his companion, despite having heard the rumor that the body of Jesus was no longer in the tomb, were not able to put all the pieces together and were on the road home to Emmaus in a state of confusion and dejection.  They were able to recount the events of the past few days to the "stranger" who met them, but were blinded to their meaning and to his identity. When he traced the Scriptures back to the prophets explaining that the Christ had to suffer and die before entering his glory, their hearts began to burn within as he placed the pieces of the puzzle in their proper place. Then the climactic "Aha!" moment as he gave thanks and broke bread, and they realized with whom they had been privileged to walk. He disappeared, but they, now on fire, walked back the seven miles to Jerusalem to share their experience with the Eleven.
It was in the 'breaking of the bread" that clarity came, emptiness was filled and joy restored.  It was for this that on the night before he died, Jesus gave us his body and blood.  It is in the Eucharist that the opportunity is there weekly, daily, for us to be fed on the Bread of Life, to rekindle the Easter Fire in our hearts and to keep it burning brightly. When we find ourselves dejected on our road to Emmaus, may we too find solace, strength and comfort in "the breaking of the bread."
Bro Rene

From Grief to Joy

Today's gospel story centers on Mary Magdalene's grief and confusion over the missing body of Jesus. (cf. Jn 29:11-18).  She weeps, as many weep over the loss of a loved one, but from the depths of her sorrow, she rises to deep joy when she hears her name spoken by a familiar voice. We get a sense of her gushing reversal from sorrow to joy from the words of Jesus to stop clinging to him.  Surely, she did not want to lose him again and wanted to hold him in her grasp forever. Such love, such simplicity, such genuineness!  Do we have the same?  Are we held back by convention, fear of "looking stupid" or an uncultivated love?  Mary let nothing bar her from the expression of her deep love for Jesus.  May she help us lower the barriers that keep our love hidden, so that it can reach and inspire others to do likewise.
Bro. Rene

Where Is Jesus?

As we read various stories of the Resurrection during the Octave of Easter, we might ask ourselves,
Where is Jesus for us?  Churches welcomed less people at the Holy Week services and even on Easter Sunday.  Fewer people in the pews than in times past, even a few years ago?  Does the life, death and Resurrection of Jesus mean anything anymore?  Do we have the desire to love and follow him as did the women and the apostles who were at first saddened at the empty tomb?  Where is Jesus for me? 
Bro.Rene

The Empty Tomb

Since we know "the rest of the story", it's hard to imagine the surprise and confusion the women experienced when they arrived early on the day after the Sabbath to anoint the body of Jesus with perfumes and spices and saw the stone rolled back and only the burial cloths in the tomb.  We can understand the incredulity of the Apostles when they heard the news, , thinking the women were delirious. . Think back to last week when the fire at Notre Dame in Paris hit the media.  Incredulity, right?  Until we saw the images of the flames, we could not believe such a thing was happening.  Having forgotten the promises of Jesus, and totally swamped by the event of Friday, no one was expecting an empty tomb.  It took visits to it, and apparitions of Jesus to verify "the impossible."  So, today, let us take time to absorb the meaning of this empty tomb, and allow our own, perhaps lingering incredulity to morph into belief, joy and song so that like the finally believing disciples, we are moved to share our enthusiasm that Christ is truly risen, death and sin have been conquered and we too share in a new life in the Risen Jesus.  Let us sing and LIVE our Alleluias!
Bro. Rene

Quiet Waiting

Holy Saturday:  the body of Jesus sealed in the tomb, empty tabernacles in our churches, no services till this evening's Easter Vigil.  A feeling of emptiness, loss and at the same time, anticipation.  We know the "ending", but it's good to feel the longing and sense of loss. We might imagine as a did homilist of old, Jesus entering the world of the dead, greeting Adam, whom he created and whose son he became, taking his hand and awakening him from sleep to the new life his death purchased for him and all of us.  He leads him to the paradise of eternal peace and glory, destined for us all.  Yes, but we must wait, wait our turn, carry on the mission of Jesus to overcome the power of darkness and bring light and hope to a world in desperate need.  He is with us. he invites us to be with him.  May we find some quiet time today to do so and be better prepared for the celebration of the Resurrection and the continued living out of our Life with Jesus in the days ahead.
Bro. Rene

The Power of the Cross

Note:  Time constraints limit us to this word from Fr. Basil Moreau, Founder of the Congregation of the Holy Cross.

No moment in the history of the world is so memorable, so awesome and moving, as the moment when the cross of Jesus Christ was raised on Calvary. And when the cross with its precious Burden was finally in its place, dominating the horizon as the mysterious Sign of divine justice and mercy, the crowd surged toward it. For the moment, this movement was one of hatred, but it was presently to be a surge of love whose great waves were to beat against this Rock and his Holy Cross until the end of time.

May we spend some time today meditating on the power of the Cross.
Bro .Rene

Holy Thursday

The first day of the Triddum, the three most holy and crowning days of our Liturgical Year begins with Holy Thursday, a truly holy day, since we celebrate the institution of two sacraments, Holy Orders and the Holy Eucharist.  We also see the role of service in the life of the Christian, as Jesus washes the feet of his disciples, Judas included!  This day is also called in some communions, Maundy Thursday, derived from the Latin, mandatum, command, as Jesus commanded that as he has given us an example of loving, service, so he commands us to do the same. All of us, priests, pastors, laypeople are commissioned to serve others, no ourselves, and find nourishment for doing so in the Bread of Life and in the fellowship of believers, our nourishing community.  Without these, cannot live an effective life of service. Let us spend this day in gratitude and in prayer for one another.
Bro. Rene

"Surely It Is Not I?"

In Matthew's account of the betrayal, Judas received 30 pieces of silver, and sought an opportune moment to hand Jesus over to the chief priests.  Like a person intent on suicide, there's no turning back.  And Judas, heart already hardened, hides his intent with the innocent question, "Surely it is not I, Rabbi?" (Mt 26: 25). He knew he was the "one" as surely as Jesus did, "You have said so." (Mt 26:25).
Jesus knows our inmost thoughts, our "secret sins" yet constantly invites us to own up to them, offering us over and over again his mercy and forgiveness.  But so often, like Judas, we persist in our pattern of sin and refuse his offer. Yes, there is a Judas in each one of us; may the power of Jesus's love prevail and give us the peace we seek.Perhaps this prayer by Matthew Kelly will help us admit our fault and seek forgiveness.
The Prayer of Transformation:
Lord,
Here I am.
I trust that you have an incredible plan for me.
Transform me. Transform my life.
Everything is on the table.
Take what you want to take and give what you want to give.
I make myself 100 percent available to you today.
Transform me into the person you created me to be, so I can live the life you envisioned for me at the beginning of time.
I hold nothing back.
I am 100 percent available.
Lead me, challenge me, encourage me, and open my eyes to all your possibilities.
Show me what it is you want me to do, and I will do it.
Amen.
Bro. Rene

Always Muddy

Today's gospel passage recounts the betrayal of Judas and the prediction of Peter's three-time denial. Judas leaves the last supper to see set the wheels in motion for the capture of Jesus, while Peter vehemently pledges his loyalty, even to the point of laying his life down for Jesus. (cf. Jn 13: 21-33; 33, 36-3).  Not a pretty picture which we look at from a world inundated with media coverage of the tragic fire in the Cathedral of Notre Dame in Paris. A muddy picture gets muddier.  Yet, believing that there is a reason for everything, from the betrayal of Judas come the death and resurrection of Jesus; from Peter's  denial, a strong church leader, the first Pope, a martyr emerges.  From the ruins of Notre Dame, already pledges to rebuild are coming in, and as Matt Fallon pointed out on Facebook today, the possibility of rebuilding the entire Roman Catholic Church in a Marian Mold. Time will purify the mud.  Time and the re-dedication of our hearts to Jesus, which is what we will do when we renew our Baptismal Promises at Easter. Nothing happens for nothing; may the shock of this tragedy wake us all up to a re-commitment to Jesus.  This prayer might help us:
Mother of Sorrows, pray for your children during this week when we remember the loss of your son. Comforter of the Afflicted, console all of us who mourn, who find ourselves caught in the flames of unforgiven anger, in the dark clouds of despair, and in the pain of loss. As we keep watch with you at the foot of Christ’s cross this week, fill us with your faith in the sure promise of Resurrection.

Notre Dame, Our Mother, pray for us. (Faith ND, Tuesday, April 16, 2019)
Bro Rene

Serving the Poor

When Mary, the sister of Martha and Lazarus, anointed Jesus' feet with costly perfumed oil, she drew the criticism of Judas who protested the "waste" at the expense of the poor. Interestingly enough, the Evangelist, John, points out the hypocrisy of Judas's interest in the poor by revealing that he stole from the Twelve'scommon purse. Jesus justifies Mary's thoughtful sign of love and respect for him, as he knew his burial would take place shortly, and the poor would always be there.(cf. Jn 12:1-11)
Yes, the poor seem to multiply exponentially, and multiple resources of donations just barely meet these growing n needs.  Criticism of expenditures for church renovations and costly sound systems echo the objections of Judas. How do we find the balance? .Not easily, evidently, for this is a perpetual question.
What serves the greater good?
Bro. Rene

Wild Hosannas

Jesus made his triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the cheers of his followers chanting "Hosanna to the Son of David."  and waving palm branches, but Jesus knew  that despite the wild welcome it would not continue through the week, and after it was over, and the chants had melted into bitter cries for his crucifixion, he would rise from the dead, his mission complete.  Our Lenten journey ends on Holy Thursday at the Liturgy of the Lord's Supper, and we follow prayerfully his footsteps, with purer, more dedicated hearts than when we began on Ash Wednesday.  Let us listen to the reading of Luke's passion narrative, with open hearts, and reflect on it during this day in gratitude for the saving act of love that Jesus so willingly gave for us.
Bro .Rene 

Returning Forgiveness For Hurt

The plot against Jesus becomes more explicit on this eve of Palm Sunday: :.."Can you not see it is better for you that one man should die instead of the people, so that the whole nation may  not perish."  (Jn 11:50). This sealed the fate of Jesus, and in less that a week we will be commemorating his crucifixion. With the hatred and the "politics" so blatant, it makes the forgiveness Jesus offered on the cross even more startling:, "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do." (Lk 23:34) Could we ever bring ourselves to forgive someone who has brutally injured us?  Can we forgive those who have been responsible for the millions killed in our World Wars?  In the Terrorist attacks of the last two decades?  Jesus is our model, and perhaps we have met some others who are as forgiving.  Worth some soul-searching as we approach Holy Week.
Bro.Rene

A Pause That Refreshes

This morning, the students, faculty, staff and guests at Central Catholic High School in Lawrence, Massachusetts, paused to reflect as a school community on the events of Holy Thursday and Good Friday. There was a symbolic washing of the feet of a member of each class and a solemn veneration of the cross with the appropriate gospel passages as a background.  Silence prevailed as we left the gymnasium to the tolling of a single chime.  It was a gifted moment of peace in our hectic life, and an opportunity to put the coming week in perspective.   There's a huge benefit in pausing now and then to reflect on the things that really matter.  Today would be a good day to begin Holy Week by such a preparation.
Bro. Rene

Why Jesus Was Crucifed

Throughout his public ministry, Jesus seemed to provoke the ire of the Scribes and Pharisees, either by healing people on the Sabbath,  pointing out contradictions between the Law and its practice, or by stating clearly that he was God.  "Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM," (Jn 8:58) This I AM is the name that God used to for himself from the burning bush when Moses asked "Who should I say sent me?"  The Jews knew this, and picked up stones to throw at Jesus, for such blasphemy, claiming to be God, was a crime meriting death.  And so that death came, not by stones but by the cross. As followers of Jesus, we believe that he IS God, and was not simply claiming to be God. May we affirm our belief often during Holy Week in order to appreciate the full impact of Easter, for the resurrection of the God-man, Jesus, means eternal life for us.
Bro. Rene

Freedom

We cherish the freedom to choose our employment, to buy the food we like, to travel where we want, to say what we think and to be able to make  thousands of little choices that make each day pleasant and productive. On a deeper level, living the truth, as Jesus said, will make us free.  "If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (Jn 8:31)  This is the freedom for which we long deep in our hearts and it can be ours by deepening our relationship with Jesus through prayerful reflection of the Scriptures, spiritual reading, regular attendance at Mass and the Sacrament of Reconciliation, and through service to others, especially those most in need.  These have been our Lenten themes and with Lent coming to an end next week we have had plenty of time (Ash Wednesday was five weeks ago today) to devote to our plan for Lent.  And there is still time to work on it as we come into the home stretch. Would we rather enjoy being the free children of God or the direct opposite, the slaves of sin?
Bro. Rene

Look To Jesus

Want to be saved?  Amazon.com or You Tube won't do it...perhaps give a fleeting moment of joy or comfort, but if we leave the "t" out of  fleeting, we have "fleeing"...and that's just want we get...a quick escape that as quickly escapes us.  No, eyes fixed on Jesus, for results that last.  When the Hebrews looked upon the bronze saraph serpent, they did not die; so too when we look upon Jesus, we see the Father, we see the Rock of eternal refuge...we see the source and end of our faith.  Nothing can substitute for it.  Believe, believe, believe!
Bro. Rene

Jesus The Light

The story of Susanna (Dn 13:1-62) dramatically presents the triumph of truth over falsehood, light over darkness.  Daniel, the young, competent and fearless spokesman for truth, maneuvers Susanna's elderly accusers into betraying their own guilt.  The reader glows as much as he in the victory and cannot but admire his passion for defending the innocent woman.
Centuries later, Jesus maneuvers the accusers of the adulterous woman into casting their stones in guilt to the ground, rather that at her.  Jesus is the light of the world who promises his followers the light of life if they follow him. (cf. Jn 8:12). We search for that light, we desire to bask in it and to be  light for others. Our Lenten journey has brought us closer to the Light since March 6th, and will continue until Christ Our Light rises on Easter Sunday.  Following Jesus, trusting in Jesus, turning away from the darkness and shadows will enable us, through his grace, to reach the light and be that light, as he and Daniel were.
Bro. Rene

Condemning Others

In today's Gospel passage of The Woman Taken in Adultery, (Jn 8: 1-11), we see Jesus calling the bluff of those ready to stone the woman, by somehow scratching their conscience with the biting words, "Let the one among you without sin be the first to throw a stone at her." If we were in the crowd, would we not feel the sting of our own guilt paralyze our arm? The stones dropped and the mercy of Jesus flowed into her legs, allowing her to rise, forgiven.
In this day when social media allows the stones to land world wide, it's easy to forget our own need for understanding and forgiveness and we can easily slide into the bashing ring.  A reversal is needed and begins with a close look at this story of mercy.  "Jesus, be merciful to me, a sinner, and catch me when I am tempted to condemn others."
Bro. Rene

Thanking God

As we bring another week of Lent to a conclusion today, we notice in the Gospel, more and more of the plot against Jesus "thickening", as in the old line, "the plot thickens."  The inevitable is about to take place, the reason why he came to be one of us.  It must be thus so that the Scriptures might be fulfilled.  This is why he came. So rather than be appalled at the "politics" behind his death, or feel sorry for him, an innocent man condemned to death, we might spend some time these final days of Lent, thanking God for the gift of  this awesome act of love...Jesus laid down his life for us, after suffering rejection, disappointment, extreme physical pain leading to his ignominious and excruciating death on the cross.  We sometimes become so absorbed in our own aches and pains, pleading for fast, fast, fast relief, that we forget to thank Jesus for his sufferings, and while, we're at it, to thank the Father for the other countless blessings we receive each day.  Thank you Father.  Thank you Jesus!
Bro. Rene

"There's Always Something"

There isn't a day that goes by when we don't hear of someone's ills, the death of an acquaintance, some catastrophe somewhere or face a mountain of tasks in our own lives that seems insurmountable, and we hear others say, or we say, "There's always something." Yes, our days, our world, are filled with mountain size challenges as  part of the human condition. We can let them overwhelm us to the point of discouragement and even depression, or we can see them as godly opportunities to hone our faith and turn our reliance more on God than on ourselves. Jesus reminds us, "For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says." (Mk 11:23)
The heartwarming film of a few years ago, LITTLE BOY. delightfully illustrates this.  We need not lose heart as we stand before the "mountain" but pray for a deeper faith, and trust that God hears that prayer.  He always does and these "mountains" mysteriously slip into the sea.
Bro. Rene

The Praise That Counts

Social media has created a new culture of LIKEs, COMMENTS and FOLLOWERS, that is having a marked effect on self-esteem and personal behavior.  Teens have been so affected by the opinions of others, that when they are overwhelmingly negative, suicide has resulted.  Others have come to value their worth on the number of LIKEs and COMMENTS they obtain from their posts.
Jesus did not  have to contend with this, but pointed out that the true praise that comes from God is all that counts. (Jn 5:41) When this generation of "NONES" (no religious affiliation) has nothing but the praise of others to rely on, they find themselves in a precarious, even dangerous situation.  All the more reason to deepen our "affiliation" with God so that we might help them and lead them to him.
Bro. Rene

God's Love For Us

These Lenten days, we hear of God's love for us daily as we walk closely with Jesus, who, at this midpoint of Lent is proceeding steadfastly to Jerusalem, where his goal, to offer himself in sacrifice for us, is to be accomplished. Isaiah tells us that God's love is a covenant with us, that darkness will not prevail, that green pastures await us, hunger and thirst will cease as we find rest near living waters.(cf Is 49: 8-15) Jesus, constantly confronted by opposing and critical Pharisees, irks them more by boldly and openly claiming to be the Son of God, which was the ultimate reason why they sought his death and coerced Pilate into granting their wish. Jesus shows us God's love by willingly walking the path to death, to be followed by the total reversal of this evil act: his resurrection.
Can we match this overwhelming love by returning our love as generously, unselfishly as Jesus loves us? We can do it, one step at a time each day not simply by professing our love in words, but in service to those around us, especially those most in need.  Almsgiving, one of the pillars of Lent, need not only be financial, but in the giving of our time, advice, or presence.  Come, let's be like the Master starting right now!
Bro. Rene

Patience in Prayer

We often get impatient when our prayers are not answered instantly, or even in a few days.  Can we imagine what the man who suffered by the pool of Bethsaida for 38 years, awaiting a helping hand to place him in the pool, felt?  Frustration, anger, and jealousy must have accompanied his impatience.  Ready, then was he, when Jesus reached out and asked him if he wanted to be well. (cf. Jn 5:6). The man did not even have to ask...Jesus saw him and took care of him.
Not that we should become totally passive, but prayer means realizing that God knows our needs, appreciates our prayers (perhaps he only ever hears from us when we NEED something), and will answer them when he determines what is the best time and the best way.  Not always our time and our way, but in the end, truly the best.  Do we have to wait 38 years?  Most likely not, but certainly more than a few days, but at the same time, often sooner than later.  Praying in faith with a receptive, patience keeps the door open for when Jesus wants to enter.
Bro. Rene

Persistent Faith

When the royal official we meet in St. John's Gospel (Jn 4:43-54) asked Jesus to cure his son, he seemed to be a little annoyed:  "Unless you people see signs and wonders,  you will not believe." (Jn 4:48).  Yet the man repeated his request as if he hadn't heard Jesus.  Without hesitating, Jesus told him his son was healed.  And so it, was, when he learned the boy was healed, it was at the same time Jesus had spoken.  He believed, and his whole household.  It took faith and guts to ignore the apparent rebuke to keep on asking; not only was the boy healed, but his father's faith was deepened and spread to others.
In the current film, UNPLANNED, members of the COALITION FOR LIFE under the leadership of Shawn Carney prayed and prayed that the clients would changer their minds and not have the abortion, and that eventually abortion would end.  Shawn organized the 40 DAYS FOR LIFE vigil, which is still in existence, and has seen the closing of 500 Planned Parenthood Clinics. Abby Johnson, once the Planned Parenthood "Woman of the Year", is now a strong advocate for LIFE!
Persistent Faith, Persistent Prayer:  Jesus does not ignore it, but hears and answers our prayers and rewards our faith by making it stronger and implanting a similar faith in the hearts of those who pray with us.
Bro. Rene