"Will God be slow to answer?" This rhetorical question of Jesus invites us to consider the differences rather than the similarities between an unjust judge who renders a just decision for a widow due to her persistent petition, and God's response to us when we exercise but a mustard seed of faith. The prayer that pleases God most is a surrendered, trusting prayer.
When one studies the historical annals of St. Monica, one notices how much she struggled with being a bit manipulative in her prayer and action, trying to get God to come to her way of thinking. Once she was corrected for her willful behavior, however, she accepted it nobly and gave up her clingy ways of trying to hold on to her son, twist the arms of saints in her favor, and insist on a time frame for her son's conversion which she desperately desired. Due to this surrender on her part (her own conversion, we could say) her son converted wholeheartedly and her deepest wish was actually granted. One could say she was never “Saint” Monica until she let go. Once she did, however, her prayer pierced the Heart of God.
Do I pray in an anxious way myself? Do I hold on to my prayer and not surrender the results? Let us ask the Holy Spirit to teach us, through the intercession of St. Monica, how to pray, rooted in the solid mustard seed of faith, trusting in God's gracious providence.
Jesus indeed understands the question that often weighs on the hearts of those who come to him with great needs, and he also provides the deepest answer. He reminds us, his beloved disciples, "Will God be slow to answer? I tell you, he will see to it that justice is done for them speedily." Our God loves to hear and answer the petitions of a converted heart, a heart praying from the mustard seed of solid faith.
Fr. Anthony Wieck, SJ
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