Knock and the Door Will be Opened

Readings for Thursday October 7, 2010

Memorial of Our Lady of the Rosary

First Reading: Galatians 3:1-5
Responsorial Psalm: Luke 1:69-70
Gospel: Luke 11:5-13


Jesus said to his disciples: “Suppose one of you has a friend to whom he goes at midnight and says, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey and I have nothing to offer him,’ and he says in reply from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked and my children and I are already in bed. I cannot get up to give you anything.’ I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves because of their friendship, he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?”

Today in the gospel we are told that if we "ask, then we shall receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened to you." How many times do we lack in faith that God will provide for us? How often are we unwilling to go to Him when we are in need? Many times there seems to be something that keeps us from seeking His help. Sometimes we think that we can handle things on our own. Other times we think that our problems are too small and that God doesn't care. I believe that there is great danger when we think that God doesn't care or that He is too busy to deal with our problems. Because when we do this, we begin to put limits on God, and this is a dangerous mindset to be in. Our God is so awesome, we should never think that He doesn't care or is too busy. He loves us more than we can imagine, and I am willing to bet that He is a pretty good at multitasking.

When we put limits on God, then we put limits on His work in our life, and limits on our faith. When we put limits on our faith, then we begin to hold back, and this is not what God intends. He wants us to give of our self totally to Him, as He gives so abundantly to us. God wants to give us the things that we ask for through prayer and wants to give us His Spirit to guide us, but we cannot receive if we do not ask or have faith. Paul makes it clear to the Galatians today that it is through faith in Christ that we receive the Spirit.

How is the Holy Spirit working in your life right now? What things in your life are you struggling with now, that you need God's guidance?

Always remember, "knock and the door will be opened."

Father above, we thank you for the gift of this day. We thank you for giving us your love and mercy. Lord, increase our faith so that we may be more willing to be led by you in our lives. Show us you will for this day, and may all that we do glorify you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.