# Pray always, or else
*2019-11-17*

> Bill Young discusses the dual necessity of constant prayer and authentic love for others, drawing from the Legion of Mary handbook and the teachings of the Church.

## The Necessity of Authentic Love

Reading from the Legion of Mary Handbook (Chapter 4, Number 4), we are reminded that we must live in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us. The secret to success with others lies in establishing personal contact rooted in love and sympathy. This love cannot be a mere appearance; it must be a real friendship capable of standing up to the test.

True love often requires small mortifications. It means being willing to leave comfortable surroundings to visit someone in jail, or walking warmly with beggars and those marginalized by society. If we avoid these sacrifices, our friendship is merely a pretense. Fruitful work requires a readiness to give oneself entirely. Without this self-sacrifice, our service has no substance and accomplishes very little.

## The Command to Pray Always

In the text 'Bread and Wine in the Body of Christ,' we encounter the title 'Pray Always, or Else.' This refers to Luke 18:1, where Jesus teaches the necessity of praying always and not losing heart. Prayer is a necessity of life, much like food; without it, we suffer dire consequences.

While praying constantly may seem like an impossible burden, the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. The Spirit transforms this necessity into a privilege and a constant miracle. To pray always is to do God's will constantly, to abide in His presence, and to share in the life of heaven.

## Bridging the Gap Between Words and Action

There is often a gap between what we say in public and how we act behind closed doors. I recently saw an interview where a man spoke of the great love he had for his wife, yet the reality in their home was entirely different. We must all work on this. While the act of praying is the 'easy' part, the hard part is the action that follows. Our faith must be manifested in how we treat our neighbors, our friends, and even our enemies.

## Reflections on the Eucharist and Transformation

Reflecting on the work of Dr. Scott Hahn, we see the beauty of transformation. Just as Jesus was transformed during the Transfiguration, the bread and wine are transformed into the Body and Blood of Christ during the Mass. Dr. Hahn's journey from Presbyterianism to Catholicism was rooted in the revelation that the Eucharist is not a mere symbol, but the real presence of the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.

*Faith requires both the interior discipline of constant prayer and the exterior action of authentic, sacrificial love for our neighbors.*