Compete Well, But Connect with Prayers. 10/26/25. Chima Offurum.

This Sunday, we dwell again on the theme of prayer, described by many theologians as the heartbeat of our relationship with God. Prayer is the key to success. Before we pursue any endeavor, the Church encourages us to pause and commune with God, who gives meaning to our work and purpose to our striving. On that endeavor, prayer anchors our actions to God’s will and infuses our efforts with grace because, the Scripture says (1 Thessalonians 5:17; Philippians 4:6), it is in prayer that we draw the strength to begin, the wisdom to continue, and the courage to endure.

Focusing on the second reading this Sunday, St. Paul’s words to Timothy reflect the energy and perseverance that sustained him through his trials. He affirmed, saying: “I have competed well; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7). St. Paul’s life reminds us that endurance in faith is not about comfort but about commitment to serve God faithfully until the very end, where he confidently hopes to receive what he describes as “the crown of righteousness” (2 Timothy 4:8). In this crown, we see the reward that awaits those who entrust their life’s journey to God and persevere, as St. James would say (James 1:12), by acts of faith, prayer, and good works.

In these, brothers and sisters, we see the theological virtues of faith, hope, and charity point the way to Jesus. Following that route, this Sunday’s Gospel (Luke 18:9-14) included that they balance the call to perseverance with a call to humility. God exalts the lowly and listens to the cry of the poor, whose prayer pierces the heavens (Psalm 34:7; Sirach 35:12-18). As we gradually come to the end of the liturgical year, and encouraged to compete well in life to explore our God-given potential, we must do so with humble hearts, recognizing that all strength and success come from God (Philippians 2:3-4). Finally, like St. Paul, we can finish our race in faith, rooted in prayer, and open to the transforming grace of the Lord who hears and strengthens us.