Ask

Readings for Thursday of the First Week of Lent

Saints Cyril, monk, and Methodius, bishop

In today’s Gospel Jesus says, “…what man of you, if his son asks him for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent?” What man indeed? We know, or at least we think we know, how to give good gifts to our children. When it comes to the basic needs, we know what good gifts to give. However, our children do not always want those good things we have to offer. They often want the stone instead of bread or the serpent instead of a fish. You and I are no different when it comes to our Heavenly Father.

I cannot count the number of times I have prayed for something that really wasn’t what was good for me. I can’t count the number of times that I was handed something good by the hand of God but called it evil since it wasn’t what I prayed for. Only through grace and spiritual growth am I able to look back and see that God’s response was a loving one.

Lent is a time for us to focus on God’s will for our life. It is a time to pray unceasingly the prayer of Jesus in the Garden, “Abba, Father, all things are possible to thee; remove this cup from me; yet not as I will, but what thou wilt.” It is a time to learn God’s will and ask that it be done in our life. He knows “how to give good things to those who ask him.” It is our duty, during Lent, to learn what is proper to ask for. If we do this, we will never be dissapointed by the response we are given for we will know that it is for our good!

What should you ask for? Ask for gifts that you may use to serve God and others!
What should you seek? Seek first the Kingdom and all else will be added unto you!
Where should you knock? At the narrow gate!

“The most important part of our life and of our being involves our asking and our giving. When we ask for things we acknowledge that we are in need. When we give we become aware of the limitless richness God has placed in our hearts.” – In Conversation With God – 9.1