Readings
I - Gal. 3: 1-5
II - Lk. 11: 5-13
TRUST IN THE FATHER IN HEAVEN
In the Gospel passage, through a parable, Jesus explains that the friend lends bread because of the persistent pleading of his friend and his perseverance even at the face of his refusal and reasoning. Giving this parable, Jesus exhorts the children of God to persevere in the persistent “ask-seek-knock” trusting in the providence of God. Persistence is resoluteness even at the face of opposition and obstacles. Perseverance is steadfastness in doing something. Both are essential to achieve what one aspires for. Persistence and perseverance are the most important requisites of prayer.
God is our loving Father. He takes pleasure in granting the requests of his children. In the Gospel passage Jesus says, “What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent?” True. Sometimes our prayers remain unanswered may be because we in our ignorance might be asking for a serpent instead of a fish. God is concerned about us so much. He will never let anything that would harm us even if we persist in asking for the ‘serpent’. Be grateful to the good that we receive from God and be extra grateful for not receiving what we have asked. Just be convinced that God is our Father and pray with persistent and in perseverance. Let our mind and heart resonate with the prayer: “Father let your will be done”.
