Jesus hears our prayer
A Reflection by Fred Schaeffer, OFS
Jesus does listen to our requests and prayers. In CCC #2616 (partly quoted), “Jesus hears the prayer of faith, expressed in words (the leper, Jairus, the Canaanite woman, the good thief) or in silence (the bearers of the paralytic, the woman with a hemorrhage who touches his clothes, the tears and ointment of the sinful woman). The urgent request of the blind men, "Have mercy on us, Son of David" or "Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!" has-been renewed in the traditional prayer to Jesus known as the Jesus Prayer: "Lord Jesus Christ, Son of God, have mercy on me, a sinner!" Healing infirmities or forgiving sins, Jesus always responds to a prayer offered in faith: "Your faith has made you well; go in peace."
This Scripture tells us that Jesus answers prayers. “Healing infirmities or forgiving sins, Jesus always responds to a prayer offered in faith: "Your faith has made you well; go in peace." As long as we believe Him, He will bring Healing. So why have we stopped believing…”
“St. Augustine wonderfully summarizes the three dimensions of Jesus' prayer: "He prays for us as our priest, prays in us as our Head, and is prayed to by us as our God. Therefore let us acknowledge our voice in him and his in us." Quoted from St. Augustine’s writings in the CCC after para quoted above.
Today (1/3), we are celebrating the Most Holy Name of Jesus. In 1530, Pope Clement V approved an Office of the Holy Name for the Franciscans. In 1721, Pope Innocent XIII extended this feast to the entire Church. Franciscans (all branches) know that prayer to the Name of Jesus brings help. He answers our prayers, not only on that day, but whenever we pray for his help.
When we need help, please invoke His Holy Name, pray to the Lord Jesus. When you say His Name, do so with reverence and devotion.
Peace and Blessings for 2026,
Fred Schaeffer, OFS
1/3/2026