Five Important Spiritual Thoughts from the Liturgy of the Word
…and follow up for the Secular Franciscan
March 2 – March 8
1 — “Ask and it will be given to you” (Mt 7:7)
PRAYER OF PETITION
Jesus’s words in this section of Luke’s Gospel (and parallel passages) give a treatise, almost, on the prayer of petition.
A couple of things about that prayer of petition should be known:
1
– We must remember that we pray because we need it, not God. Therefore, we pray knowing that God already knows what we need. We simply are putting God into our consciousness knowing that God is with us as we ask.2 – When we pray, it may not seem like we receive, find or have the door opened, but it really happens. It must all be understood with Jesus’ statements about what is good. God will give us only good and only
God knows what is really good. Even if we ask for a loaf which is really a stone in the overall view of things, God will not give it to us because it will harm us. Even if we ask for a fish which is really a snake in the overall view of things, God will not give it to us because it will harm us. Just as we know good for our children, God knows good for us.
The prayer of petition will always be answered and part of the prayer of petition is that we understand that God’s answer will be good for us.3
– There is another element that is not part of the prayer of petition, but part of Jesus’ doctrine; it a directive that we must remember even as we beg God for things in our lives. Even as we ask for what is necessary in our lives, we have to work with love of others. Too many people pray to God, expecting God to answer—and God will— but do not make God part of the rest of their lives and in particular, how we treat others.The prayer of petition is an important part of our spirituality. It should be part of what we do every day, but
we have to understand it.
2 – “If you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” (Mt 5:23-24)
…Is my love of my fellow brothers and sisters what it should be?
3
– “But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you.” (Mt 5:44)…Is there any incident in my life where this is not true?
4 — “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” (Mt 17:5)
…Am I spending sufficient time during the day to listen to the Lord by reading the Gospels?
5 – “Rather, whoever wishes to be great among you shall be your servant.” (Mt 20:26)
…I should be everyone else’s servant, doing what they want. Am I?
