Jump to Conclusions

by Food For Thought on October 10, 2013

Today’s first reading reminds us not to judge easily, or jump into conclusions when we encounter a situation. We are reminded that as long as we do our best to act justly, to be fair to everyone, to trust in the Lord and to serve God with the best of our ability, we can be sure that the Lord will guide us and show us the “distinction between the righteous and the wicked, and between those who serve God and those who do not.”

Today’s gospel strongly emphasizes the power of prayer and the need to be persistent in prayer. When we feel that God is not listening to us by not answering our prayers, perhaps we must remember that God’s ways are not man’s ways, and perhaps He has other plans for us.

As the Lord Jesus taught his disciples to pray, he also reminds us today to remember to pray. It is in prayer that we open ourselves to God. It is in prayer that we confirm our trust in the Father. It is in prayer that we confirm our sincerity and frankness with Him.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 29, Issue 6

<< Thursday, October 10, 2013 >>

Malachi 3:13-20
View Readings

Psalm 1:1-4, 6

Luke 11:5-13
Similar Reflections

"HOW MUCH MORE" (Lk 11:13)

"Whoever asks, receives." —Luke 11:10

"No one knows the Father but" Jesus and anyone to whom Jesus "wishes to reveal Him" (Mt 11:27). We are included in the "anyone" Jesus mentions. Today, Jesus is revealing the heart of God the Father to us. Here are some revelations Jesus gives us:

The Father considers us His children. This is so critical for our prayer life that the first thing Jesus teaches us about prayer is to call God our "Father" (Lk 11:2).
If the weary father refused hospitality by refusing the midnight request for loaves, he would bring dishonor on himself and his village (Lk 11:5ff). As the weary father is a man of honor and provides for those in need, so God the Father is a God of honor and provides for our needs.
The Father is far more eager to provide for us than is the weary father to silence a noisy neighbor (Lk 11:8).
People can be persistent with those who will be angry with them. How much more should we be persistent with the Father Who loves us beyond measure! There is "the necessity of praying always and not losing heart" (Lk 18:1).
Jesus reveals that what the Father most wants to give us is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is far better than the "good things" of this life (Lk 11:13). If it seems that God didn't answer your prayer, check to see if you received something better, that is, the Holy Spirit (see Rm 5:5).

Prayer: Father, I immerse myself in Your love. May I ask, seek, and knock so as to please You and accomplish Your perfect will.

Promise: "They who fear the Lord spoke with one another, and the Lord listened attentively." —Mal 3:16

Praise: It was in coming to know the unfathomable love of the Father that Sarah felt a new beginning in the Spirit.