Let Us Pray – Your Catholic Weekly Reflection from CMMB
In this Sunday’s Gospel, Jesus teaches us that God is always accessible to us and that prayer is one of the most important ways that we can communicate with him.
When the disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, Jesus showed them a simple version of the most famous Christian prayer, the Our Father. Then he told them the parable of the persistent neighbor who knocks on his friend’s door at midnight asking for bread. His friend objects at first but because the neighbor is persistent, the sleeping man gets up and gives him all that he needs.
Through the parable Jesus teaches us to be persistent in prayer. God calls us to communicate with him often. But it’s not about asking for what we need. Instead we can use prayer to deepen our connection to God and to help us accept His will for us. We are rewarded not by gifts but by the Holy Spirit.
For Joanna Oleksik, prayer was the focal point of a unique experience she lived through while volunteering in Kenya for CMMB. She is a registered nurse who has served twice at Our Lady of Lourdes Medical Mission Hospital in Mutomo. Joanna provided nursing care on the pediatric ward and also conducted training to share her knowledge and skills with local health professionals.
CMMB nurse volunteer Joanna Oleksik at Mutomo Hospital’s pediatrics ward.
She had often glimpsed at the snowcapped peak of Mt. Kilimanjaro from the hilltops of Mutomo. An avid hiker, Joanna reveled at the idea of summiting the highest mountain on the African continent. When in Nairobi, she attended Mass at Consolata Shrine Parish, and that’s where she first heard of the climb up Kilimanjaro. A few months later, at the end of her service in Mutomo, she was able to join the Consolata climbers on their memorable trek up 19,300 feet.
Joanna, bottom right, with the Consolata Mountaineers (Source: Consolata Shrine)
“Our journey was made all the more special in that it was not just an ordinary trek but also a pilgrimage. We were blessed to have Father Evans [from Consolata Shrine] join us. He celebrated Mass with us every single day, whether at Uhuru Peak at the top of Africa [Kilimanjaro], in our accommodation in Himo before and after the climb, or on the mountain—even when we felt ill. The first day on the mountain we were told that some of our guides and porters would be joining us for Mass. One morning other climbers came. It was really special to have others take part with us, reminding us of the universality of the Church!”
Father Evans (far left) holding Mass on Mt Kilimanjaro. (Source: Consolata Shrine)
“We prayed the Rosary daily, sometimes admittedly at the end of a long day when it was difficult to stay awake through our quiet prayer time with the rhythm of the Rosary tempting sleep. Other times it was on the trail; sometimes in the morning when we needed strength we strung together like beads on a Rosary. We remained close to each other and Christ as we pressed forward. Other times I would notice someone walking quietly by themselves, the Rosary beads in hand, suggesting they were walking in spirit with Our Lady and God.”
As they continued to climb, they endured bitter cold, freezing rain, treacherous terrain, and dangerously thin air. Then a grueling 6-hour midnight ascent to the summit.
“Most, if not all of us, experienced some form of altitude sickness—be it nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, or headache. But as we approached the summit, Father Evans put on his vestments and the Consolata Mountaineers celebrated Mass at the top of Africa! What a joy and excitement! Glory to God as we continued to celebrate the Risen Lord.”
Consolata climbers praying at the peak. (Source: Consolata Shrine)
“When I joined the group I simply wanted to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. In becoming a Consolata Mountaineer I received much more. I pray that God blesses all of us and the graces from the pilgrimage continue. We thank all those who supported and continue to support us materially and spiritually.”
May we find time for quiet prayer today and move closer to God’s will for us.
CMMB/Healthier Lives Worldwide
*Today’s reflection was inspired by Loyola Press. Excerpts from The Consoling Eye, the May 2019 Consolata Shrine Parish Monthly News Bulletin.
