THE POWER OF ASKING

THE POWER OF ASKING

 

“And whatever you ask in my name, I will do, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son…” – John 14:13

 

One suppertime, my eldest son, Bene, asked, “After dinner, can I play on the computer?” My wife replied, “Son, read a book.” My son’s facial expression didn’t change. With a big happy smile, he asked, “Mommy, after I read the book, can I play on the computer?” My wife answered, “Son, after you read the book, go straight to bed.”

Still with a grin on his face, he asked, “Mommy, after reading the book, before I go to bed, can I play on the computer for 30 minutes?” “No, I want you to sleep right away.”

“Mommy, how about if I play just for 15 minutes?” The negotiation continued until my wife conceded.

My son expected to get what he wanted. He used his smile, his puppy eyes and his cuteness. He used compromise. But the important thing was he got what he wanted.

As adults, we don’t do that anymore. We go to God and say, “Lord, please give me….” And when we don’t get it, we say, “OK, never mind.” We quit. Easily. But the universe adjusts to your expectations. If you expect nothing, you get nothing.

Ask. Not for a bit. Not for a little. Ask for a double portion! Bo Sanchez (bosanchez@kerygmafamily.com)

 

REFLECTION:

Is there something that I sincerely want to happen or have in my life? Do I persistently pray for it or do I easily give up?

 

Lord, grant me the grace to persevere in prayer, knowing that You are there, listening to me, and that You will grant what I ask for in a way that’s best for me.

WORK ON A HOLIDAY

 

Today’s memorial was established by Pope Pius XII in 1955 not only to honor Joseph, the foster father of Jesus, but also to remind us that honest work can  be a means to holiness. When we do our work honestly, we sanctify ourselves and others. By working honestly, we come to participate in God’s continuing work of creation and Christ’s redemptive work for humankind.

Thus, work is not a curse that befell upon the human race because of sin. Work is a blessing. Work is our dignity. Working honestly is a sublime expression of the image and likeness of God in us. It is also an integral part of our union with Christ.

Most people work but not all people work honestly. Most people work but not all people are happy with their work. And not all people work with the understanding that working honestly is their dignity as human beings.

While we thank God for our work today, let us ask from Him the grace that will always enable us to work honestly. While we thank God for workers, let us pray for those who refuse to work. While we thank God for the dignity of work, let us help others find the kind of work that befits a child of God and a disciple of Jesus.

It is quite ironic that while we celebrate work today, both in the Church and in civil society, there is no work today. It’s a holiday. Let us make each day holy by our work. Work — and be holy! Fr. Bobby Titco

 

Reflection Question:

Am I happy with my work? Do I work honestly? How is my work an expression of the image and likeness of God in me? How is my work an integral part of my union with Christ? Does my work sanctify me and others?

 

Thank You, Lord, for the work I do. Guide me by the values of Your kingdom and help me by the power of Your hands as I work each day. I am Your child; may I give glory to Your name. I am a disciple of Jesus; may I become more and more like Him. Amen.

 

St. Marculf, pray for us.