A few years ago, at a General Audience, Pope Francis encouraged busy Catholics to say the “Jesus Prayer” throughout the day. This prayer of the heart is repeated with faith, saying: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner.” As you may have noticed, the “words of the Jesus Prayer are themselves based on Scriptural texts, one verse of which we just heard proclaimed in today’s Gospel: “the cry for mercy of the [tax collector, 'O God, be merciful to me a sinner']” (Luke 18:14).
It is suggested that “[we] can work on saying this prayer with each breath: “Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God,” as we breathe in, “have mercy on me, a sinner,” as we breathe out. We can say this aloud, silently with the words on our lips, or silently in our hearts. . . [concentrating] on Jesus, forgetting all else, both joys and sorrows” (The Jesus Prayer, 10/24/2025). The “Jesus Prayer” is a daily reminder for us to “[rejoice] always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will for God for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).
This prayer of the heart is also a reminder that we are sinners in need of a savior: “God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love he had for us, even when were were dead in our transgressions [and sins], brought us to life with Christ, raised us up with him, and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:1,4-6). And, as we heard in today’s second reading from Saint Paul to Timothy: “the Lord stood by me and gave me strength. . . And I was rescued from the lion's mouth. The Lord will rescue me from every evil threat and will bring me safe to his heavenly kingdom. To him be glory forever and ever. Amen.”
When we repeat the “Jesus Prayer” with faith, it gives us hope because we know in our hearts that the “Lord is not deaf to the wail of the orphan, nor to the widow when she pours out her complaint. The one who serves God willingly is heard; his petition reaches the heavens,” precisely because God is merciful and calls us into a relationship with Him. Our Catholic faith is an encounter with God who not only died on the Cross for our salvation but is present with us here and now in the Eucharist because He loves us. That is our story! It is a story that we must share with others so they too can encounter love and have hope of eternal life because, when we walk together in faith and shine forth the light of Christ, we bring hope to others.
I am a convert to the Catholic faith and, since my Ordination to the Permanent Diaconate, my wife and I have been preparing young couples for the Sacrament of Marriage. I share my conversion story in our CALLED TO BE ONE Marriage Class. Recently, one of the young men that we prepared for marriage shared this good news with me: “Hi Deacon! Earlier this year, on Easter, I was baptized into the Church after finishing OCIA. Your conversion story has always stuck with me and served as an inspiration. Has brought wonderful joy and peace into my life that I’m eternally grateful for” (E.H., 10/21/2025).
My sisters and brothers in Christ, if the story of my life in Christ can touch the life of this young man, just imagine what we can do together through the Catholic Services Appeal? Imagine how many children we can help to grow in their love for God through their Catholic education? Imagine how many young men we can help to answer God’s call to them to become priests of our Lord Jesus Christ? Imagine how many young men and women we can help to become devoted and faithful consecrated, religious sisters and brothers for Holy Mother Church? “Together we bring hope.” It starts with our families and, through our participation in this year’s Catholic Services Appeal, we can bring hope to our parish community and beyond and “set the world of fire” (Saint Catherine of Siena) with God’s love. Remember this as you listen to Father speak and discern how God is calling you to participate in the Catholic Services Appeal.
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