Homily for Wednesday after the Epiphany of the Lord

The Gospels frequently show Jesus in prayer. After miraculously feeding a large crowd, He went up the hillside to pray. While He sought solitude, prayer did not separate Him from the world's challenges. In fact, prayer made Him even more attuned to the needs and struggles of others. While praying, He thought of His frightened friends, exhausted from rowing across the stormy lake. He paused His prayer to go to them and help them, saying, "Take courage, it is I, do not be afraid!"

Though Jesus maintained a close communion with His Father, He also remained connected to the needs of the people around Him. This duality is evident in our own inner lives as well. In prayer, we become aware of God's presence, tuning into the divine within us. This awareness also prompts us to consider others and empathize with their needs. Unsurprisingly, the One we reach out to in prayer is filled with love for others; thus, conversing with Him reminds us to care for those around us. Often, our prayers take the form of intercessory petitions for ourselves and others. Genuine prayer strengthens our connection with God and broadens our concern, especially for those facing the storms of life.