Ask, Seek, Knock

Today's Gospel reading is one of my favorite passages, and one which I have been quoting from a lot lately. It is about asking, seeking and knocking, in short ASK. These past months that we've been back from mission in Timor, I have been doing a lot of asking. And God has been doing a lot of giving, helping me find blessings, and opening of doors and windows. He has even used this blog to reach out to other moms and families! I am far from being perfect (and I have done some things lately that I am ashamed of! *sighs*) but my God is perfect, and His grace is sufficient for me.

So I thought I'd share the reflections on today's Gospel here, from my Kerygma Family's daily e-mail. Hope it helps you dear readers, as much as it helps me! Events around the world, like the troubles in the Middle East, and the Japanese earthquake, tsunami and threats of nuclear contamination, plus the not so recent New Zealand earthquake, and the Philippines' own battle for life against the RH Bill, have made many a person fearful and uncertain about what the future may bring.

It only goes to show that we really need God's mercy and grace now more than ever. If you haven't already, try asking, seeking, knocking. You may just be surprised at how God will answer you! Be blessed today and always!

P.S. Incidentally, Jesus Himself is also asking, seeking, knocking. Won't you let Him in?

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock..." (Revelation 3:20)
Photo taken from thedomb.blogspot.com

Jesus encourages us to intercede for our needs. He wants us to be forthright and honest as we place our needs before God. If we truly think that God is asking us to do something and for which we need some help, then what is stopping us from forthrightly stating these needs to Him? At least God will know that we are trying to do what He asks us to do. And if we fail to place our needs before Him, He will also know that we are not really committted to be obedient to His Word.

ALLELUIA

R: Alleluia, alleluia

A clean heart create for me, God; give me back the joy of your salvation.

R: Alleluia, alleluia

Matthew 7:7-12

7 Jesus said to his disciples: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 9 Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread,10 or a snake when he asks for a fish? 11 If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give good things to those who ask him. 12 Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”

my reflections

t h i n k : He wants us to be forthright and honest as we place our needs before God.

*From the Companion

ALWAYS WILLING

“Ask and it will be given to you, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you.” – Matthew 7: 7

Upon our arrival in Malaysia, we forgot to change our money to the local currency. We only realized it the next day when we rode a cab to the mall and had no money at all. To our dismay, the money changer counter was closed for the day. Going around the mall was a disappointment because of the language barrier and no one wanted our money. “Ringgit, ringgit,” they insisted.

We wanted to buy bottled water, soap and some basic stuff, but we could not. It was frustrating because everyone we asked would only shake their head.

How different it is with the Lord. Jesus said, “Ask and it will be given to you.” He doesn’t put conditions or barriers for us to receive what we ask for. Instead, He is our Father who loves us and willingly gives us what we need.

In times of need, we only need to knock and He will gladly open the door for us, and much more. Chelle Crisanto (ellehcmaria@yahoo.com)

17

REFLECTION:

Who is the first person you turn to in your time of need? Let it be Jesus!

Lord, I know that You are there and I can always count on You to help me. In my most critical need, be there to help me.

*From Didache