God knows what is best.

My Dearest Brothers and Sisters in Christ:

“Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you.” In today’s gospel reading (Luke 11:5-11), Jesus tells the story of a late night traveler seeking hospitality from his host. No matter what time the traveler arrives, it was the obligation of the town to receive and entertain this traveler. The host needs bread to nourish the traveler and must go and get bread from one of his neighbors. Jesus says that the neighbor will not provide the bread because you are friends, but because of the importance of the visitor. This story is about prayer and asking for God’s unending supply of grace which is poured out for us. Jesus tells his disciples that they must be persistent in their prayer – “For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” If we ask God in prayer, he will provide everything you need; if we seek out God, you will find him there with you; and if you knock on his door, he will open it and receive you in. If we ask and do not receive what we want, then maybe the prayer was not sincere or it was for something we do not need. Remember the saying – be careful what you ask for. God answers every prayer – the answer just might be no. Jesus tells them, “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion?” Jesus is telling his disciples that God will only provide what is good and what is needed. God understands what our heart is asking. We may not see it the same way, but God knows what is best. Jesus uses the image of the father-child relationship to demonstrate God’s heavenly relationship with us on earth. A good father will provide what his children needs and will not provide anything that will harm the child. God provides us with what is needed to nourish us both physically and spiritually. He provides what is needed to feed the body. Jesus concludes this story telling us how overflowing God’s grace actually is, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” This last statement tells us that God’s grace is abundant, overflowing and unending. God provides more then what we need or we expect. God gives us his gifts freely and without conditions. We do not even have to deserve them and he will provide. We must pray with confidence for our God is kind and merciful.

A Simple Prayer Most Heaven Father, giver of all, provider of unending grace; I come to you with a contrite heart. My wants are many but my needs are few. All I ask is that you provide me with your grace so that I might live as your disciple.

Yours in Christ Michael Marcon