In the first reading from Galatians 3, St. Paul begins speaking about faith and "works of the law." In the Gospel from Luke 11, Jesus tells the disciples a story about persistence.
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” What an interesting and uplifting teaching from Jesus! Unfortunately, many people down through the ages have twisted this and taken it out of context. Did Jesus really mean that we can have ANYTHING that we want? Once again, this is all about context.
At the end of this teaching, Jesus asks, “If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?” It’s all about what we are asking for. If we are asking for things that are of the Spirit, then we have no problem. We can rest assured that God will deliver. But if we are asking for things of the flesh, I think we’re barking up the wrong tree. God isn’t some kind of vending machine. He is a loving Father. So…what are you asking for?
Father, we thank you for always answering our prayers when they are in accord with Your will. Help us to be more in tune with Your will, and to ask, seek and knock for the things of the Spirit. Amen.
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