By Francis Gayang csc –
Readings: Mal 3: 13-20; Lk 11: 05 – 13
A purposeful prayer is bold and not self-centered. A man in the passage went to his friend’s house in the middle of the night to borrow food to serve his guest.
It is necessity that drives him to disturb his friend’s family at an unexpected hour. Though the scripture said that the man sleeping with his family would not get up in the middle of the night and give him anything, because of the persistence of his friend, the man gives him whatever he needs. Jesus emphasizes the significance of perseverance by saying; ask, seek, and knock. These words reflect the intensity and the requirement to prove the degree of the need. Therefore, persistence in prayer is one of the signs that we are serious about what we pray.
Like the man, whose is driven to be persistent and patient for the sake of his needs, I too must cultivate these qualities whenever I present myself and my good intentions before the Lord. Whenever I seek God’s help, I am invited to be oriented toward others and for building up the kingdom of God on earth. The man had established a friendship prior to this incident which gave him the confidence of having known his friend. Likewise, I need to establish a solid
relationship with God. It is only through knowing him, will I be bold and confident enough to present myself and my needs before him.
Jesus concluded that if human beings, who are corrupt know how to give a good gift to their children, how much more would the heavenly Father give to those who ask him. Let us check our relationship with God and how close we are to him. Will I be bold and confident enough to knock at his door when I need his help? If any doubt exists in my heart, then today’s reading invites me to verify my friendship with God.