Gospel Reading for March 13, 2025 – Matthew 7: 7-12
PRAYER
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. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asked for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asked for a fish? 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.
“Do to others whatever you would have them do to you. This is the law and the prophets.”
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There are several kinds of PRAYER, one is PRAISE AND GLORY. When a prayer of praise and glory truly comes from the heart, coupled with a life that gives glory to God, we know that we have truly prayed. Another one is THANKSGIVING AND GRATITUDE. When a prayer of thanksgiving and gratitude truly comes from the heart, coupled with a life that gives appreciation for what is received by sharing our blessings with others, we know that we have truly prayed. Another one is PENITENTIAL. When a prayer of penitence truly comes from the heart, coupled with the resolve to avoid temptations and sin, we know that we have truly prayed. The prayer in today’s gospel is one of PETITION probably is most prayed. Of course we are totally dependent on God for all our needs as all blessings emanate from him. It is not as simple because it requires a lot of faith in God and reading of signs. It is the prayer that keeps us humble, patient and understanding.
We ask our Lord to help us believe in his wisdom and love even if at times he seems not to listen to us.
