Chesterton

The Power of Persistent Prayer: Trusting God’s Justice and Love in Our Journey of Faith  

/ chicoinematt

Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

A reflection on the Gospel of Luke 18:1-8 

Dear Friends in Christ, 

Today’s Gospel from Luke invites us into a profound lesson on prayer and faith through the story of the persistent widow and the unjust judge. Jesus teaches us to never give up on prayer, to keep trusting God’s justice even when answers seem delayed. Unlike the unjust judge, God truly cares for us and will secure justice for those who call on Him without losing heart. The question Jesus leaves us with—“Will the Son of Man find faith on earth?”—challenges us to hold fast to our faith amid life’s struggles. 

Mother Teresa beautifully captured this mystery when she said, “Prayer is not asking. Prayer is putting oneself in the hands of God, at His disposition, and listening to His voice in the depth of our hearts.” Prayer is less about demanding answers and more about trusting God’s perfect timing and justice, just as the widow trusted and persisted. 

Continue reading →
Thank you for sharing!

The Gift of Gratitude: Returning to the Giver 

/ chicoinematt

Guest Post by: David Tonaszuck

A reflection on the Gospel of Luke 17:11-19 

Brothers and Sisters in Christ, 

Let’s pause for a moment and acknowledge the love of God in our lives—love revealed through our Lord Jesus and lived out each day by the Spirit. When we truly recognize the Father’s love, gratitude naturally follows. We give thanks, praise, and glory because we know every good thing is a gift. These gifts aren’t just for us—they’re invitations to return to God and live in the grace and unity of the Holy Trinity. 

The greatest gift is Jesus Himself. Not a distant figure, but our Lord, mentor, teacher, and friend. When we pray, read His Word, and share in the sacraments, we’re not just remembering Him—we’re with Him. If we quiet our hearts and listen, we might even hear Him say, “My son, my daughter, I love you so very much. Come be by my side, and together our hearts will be one with the Father and the Spirit.” 

Gratitude in All Things: Chesterton’s Wisdom and the Gospel’s Call 

G.K. Chesterton, a great Catholic writer, once reflected on gratitude. He wrote, “You say grace before meals. All right. But I say grace before the concert and the opera, and grace before the play and pantomime, and grace before I open a book, and grace before sketching, painting, swimming, fencing, boxing, walking, playing, dancing and grace before I dip the pen in the ink.” Chesterton’s point is simple: give thanks to God in all things, recognizing His gifts everywhere. 

Continue reading →
Thank you for sharing!