A ugustine of Hippo reminds us that "God, who does not sleep and who awakens us from sleep that we may ask, gives much more graciously."

Thursday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time

Malachi 3:13-20b

Psalm 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6

L uke 11:5-13 And he said to them, "Which of you who has a friend will go to him at midnight and say to him, `Friend, lend me three loaves; (6) for a friend of mine has arrived on a journey, and I have nothing to set before him'; (7) and he will answer from within, `Do not bother me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything'? (8) I tell you, though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him whatever he needs. (9) And I tell you, Ask, and it will be given you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. (10) For every one who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (11) What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will instead of a fish give him a serpent; (12) or if he asks for an egg, will give him a scorpion? (13) If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"

Meditation by Don Schwager

W hat can we expect from God, especially when we recognize that he doesn't owe us anything and that we don't deserve his grace and favor? Jesus used the illustration of a late-night traveller to teach his listeners an important lesson about how God treats us in contrast to the kind of treatment we might expect from good neighbors. The rule of hospitality in biblical times required the cooperation of the entire community in entertaining an unexpected or late-night guest. Whether the guest was hungry or not, a meal would be served. In a small village it would be easy to know who had baked bread that day. Bread was essential for a meal because it served as a utensil for dipping and eating from the common dishes. Asking for bread from one's neighbor was both a common occurrence and an expected favor. To refuse to give bread would bring shame because it was a sign of inhospitality.

If a neighbor can be imposed upon and coerced into giving bread in the middle of the night, how much more hospitable is God, who, no matter what the circumstances, is generous and ready to give us what we need. Augustine of Hippo reminds us that "God, who does not sleep and who awakens us from sleep that we may ask, gives much more graciously." In conclusion Jesus makes a startling claim: How much more will the heavenly Father give! The Lord is ever ready to give us not only what we need, but more than we can expect. He gives freely of his Holy Spirit that we may share in his life and joy. Do you approach your heavenly Father with confidence in his mercy and kindness?

"Heavenly Father, you are merciful, gracious and kind. May I never doubt your love nor hesitate to seek you with confidence in order to obtain the gifts, graces, and daily provision I need to live as your disciple and child."

Supplementary Reading

EASy ComPANy

While he was at table in his house, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat with Jesus and his disciples. – Matthew 9:10

In our barkada, she was the most difficult to be with. Don’t get me wrong. I enjoyed her company. I had great respect for her and her opinions. She was wise and we learned a lot from her. It’s just that she was much more fussy than the others.

When she didn’t like something, she wouldn’t hesitate to make it known. When a waiter serving her at a restaurant made a mistake, she’d call him down. When you expressed an opinion that didn’t sit well with her, she’d immediately correct you. She was fun to be with but, often, I felt like I was walking on eggshells rather than chilling out with friends. It could get tiring just being with her. It must have been a lot different with Jesus. Despite His holiness, the worst of sinners were attracted to His presence. They must have felt no judgment or condemnation when they were with Him. I’m sure He didn’t tell them acerbically how corrupt and perverted they were. Otherwise, who’d want to eat with Him?

Jesus was refreshing company to souls that were tired and weary of sin. That’s why we can always run to Him even when we’re at our worst. Rissa Singson-Kawpeng

REFLECTION:

When you’re in sin, do you run away from Jesus in shame? Or do you boldly run into His forgiving embrace?

Lord, sin is tiring. I turn to You to free me, heal me and refresh my soul.