Overcoming Obstacles

Are they real obstacles or just perceived obstacle? Or are they excuses? Whatever they are, they can not be discounted as they are true cause of failure in praying and fasting.

We have to acknowledge that every step we take toward God will be met with resistance by Satan. But we are in good company because all the saints went through great obstacles and, for some, great suffering. And did not Satan tempt Jesus? (Matthew 4:1-11) So why should we be spared?

Being aware of pitfalls is like watching where we walk. We walk with attention to what is in our path and we avoid anything that can cause us to fall or be hurt. When we do not pay attention is when we usually get hurt. So if anything gets in the way of our praying and fasting, name the distraction and find a way to get rid of distraction, or at least minimize it.

Some distractions and how to overcome them:

Telephone calls – Take note what time you started. Keep an eye on the time. Quite often we do not realize how long we are on the phone until it is ended. Are there some calls that could have been ended sooner? Maybe next time you can be more diligent in ending the conversation sooner.

Household distraction – Are you constantly being interrupted when you are praying? This is when having a designated place of prayer is important. Involve everyone in your home in choosing the place of prayer so that it is also available to them. Sanctify the place by prayer of dedication and blessing it with holy water. Agree that anyone who is sitting there must observe silence and is not to be disturbed. More than one person may be there but silence should be maintained. Common prayers like the Holy Rosary or the Divine Mercy Chaplet may be said aloud only when the other person is joining in. But even with this, there should be no conversion. At the start of the common prayer, there should be a short time of silence to dispose oneself to prayer. At the end, there should also be silence to enjoy the presence of God in your midst.


Planning

Although we have already made the commitment to pray and fast before and during the 40 Days for Life Campaign, we still have to take the time to put it in our schedule each day. When you make a plan or at think of the things you have to do that day,

 Did you include ‘pray and fast for the intentions of the 40 Days for Life Campaign” in your list? We always name the regular errands we do such as “I have to go shopping, go to the bank, etc.” so why not this?
 Did you designate your prayer time? This is important especially if you can not do it at the same time everyday. Look at your schedule for the day and mark the time you plan to do it.
 Did you decide the night before or this morning the form of fasting you plan to do. If it is a food fasting, have you planned the food that will be enough to sustain you for the day. Remember to drink lots of water and cut down on caffeine.

With prayer for guidance and a deep resolve, we can find ways to overcome obstacles. Some may be more difficult to overcome but pray for perseverance and fortitude.


SUGGESTIONS FOR REFLECTION:
As you take you Bible, handle it with reverence. Remember it is the Word of God.
Read the verses slowly and deliberately. Read it more than once. If a particular verse or word draws your attention, stay with it and reflect on it.

Following are some Bible verses that may help you with in dealing with obstacles.

Matthew 4:1-11 The Temptation of Jesus
Reflect on how Jesus rejected Satan. It was an outright rejection. We should do the same. When we hesitate or say maybe or even consider giving in to “a certain degree” or compromising, we leave the door ajar for more temptation. In the Act of Contrition, we say “to avoid the near occasions of sin”. It means “don’t even go there”.

Verse 11 “Then the devil left him and, behold, angels came and ministered to him.” Imagine how the angels rejoice whenever we reject the temptations. The are flapping their wings, fluttering above us and smiling. Our guardian angel is always there to protect us but we need to cooperate.

Luke 10:38-42 Martha and Mary (This is not just for women. Men, please join in.)
Are you a Martha or a Mary? Why? Will you be able to change roles? Can you appreciate and support the other person’s way of serving the Lord? Do you compare your way with another person’s way?


SUGGESTED PRAYER:
Prayer to the Guardian Angel. We seemed to have outgrown this but the same guardian angel has been with us all the time. Offer this prayer also for the babies who are in danger in their mother’s womb.