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 amon 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?”
Sermon
My brothers and sisters in Christ, today's Gospel reading presents Jesus teaching His disciples about prayer. He uses two parables to emphasize the importance of persistence and trust in prayer.
The Parable of the Persistent Friend:
- A friend asks for bread at midnight
- Initial refusal, but persistence prevails
- Jesus' point: persistence in prayer yields results
The Promise of Answered Prayer:
- Ask, seek, knock: all will receive
- God's generosity surpasses human expectations
- The Father desires to give good gifts, especially the Holy Spirit
Implications for Us:
- Pray persistently, trusting God's goodness
- Seek God's will, not just immediate needs
- Recognize God's generosity and love
- Ask for the Holy Spirit's guidance and empowerment
Conclusion:
May we pray with confidence and persistence.
Reflection Questions:
1. How do you approach prayer?
2. What hinders your persistence in prayer?
3. How do you trust God's goodness?
Action Steps:
- Practice persistent prayer
- Reflect on God's goodness and generosity
- Seek the Holy Spirit's guidance
- Trust God's will, not just immediate results.
Prayer
Let us pray: + In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Almighty, merciful, and loving God, teach us to pray with persistence and trust. May our confidence in Your goodness grow.
Lord Jesus, teach us to pray with persistence. May our trust in God's goodness grow. Amen.
We pray for:
- Persistence in prayer, trusting Your will
- Recognition of Your generosity and love
- Guidance of the Holy Spirit
- Trust in Your goodness, beyond immediate needs
In Jesus' most holy name, Amen.
Prayer for Persistence:
Lord Jesus, grant us persistence in prayer. May our trust in God's goodness inspire us. Amen.
Prayer for Trust:
Heavenly Father, deepen our trust in Your goodness. May Your love and generosity guide us. Amen.
May these prayers guide you in praying with confidence and persistence, trusting God's goodness.
May God bless you as you deepen your prayer life.
Peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you,
Rev. Fr. Jhimerson Maneclang,SCJ