We cannot underestimate the power of prayer and the difference it will make in our world

You must ask God to give you power to fight against the sin of pride which is your greatest enemy - the root of all that is evil, and the failure of all that is good. For God resists the proud. -- St. Vincent de Paul

Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4, 5-6)
R. (see 2b) The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing to the LORD a new song,
for he has done wondrous deeds;
His right hand has won victory for him,
his holy arm.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
The LORD has made his salvation known:
in the sight of the nations he has revealed his justice.
He has remembered his kindness and his faithfulness
toward the house of Israel.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
All the ends of the earth have seen
the salvation by our God.
Sing joyfully to the LORD, all you lands;
break into song; sing praise.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.
Sing praise to the LORD with the harp,
with the harp and melodious song.
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
sing joyfully before the King, the LORD.
R. The Lord has revealed to the nations his saving power.

This line is constantly reiterated throughout the readings, and it was written for a purpose. We can see that the author wants to give us, the readers, reminders that God is not invisible. He is the all-knowing, all-powerful and all-present being, but he cares for each and every one of us like we are the only individuals in this world. He cares for us and has a careful plan for each of us, even when our lives seem chaotic and distorted. More importantly, God is always reaching out to us, reminding us that we have a plan built by the One who desperately loves us.

We saw the effects of God’s love and how people can fully understand his grace during the earthquake and tsunami which struck Japan in March of 2011, where even after a disaster of such magnitude, the country experienced no looting or violence during its recovery. This instance is a great reminder that God is able to reveal his power and love, not by direct divine intervention like a saving hand reaching down from the sky, but that his love exists in every one of us, whether we know it or not.

Today, let us give up our own separate plans of what our lives should become, and instead be simple lights of the world. Let us be encouraged to continuously remind ourselves that God is in control, even when our lives are in shambles or our enemies reach out to hurt us. God loves us ever so much, and it is our responsibility as disciples of Christ to love our neighbors and enemies in the same way. May peace be with you today