Our Lady of the Rosary | Thursday 7 October 2021

Today is Thursday the 7 
October, the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary.
 

Salt of the Sound sings, ‘I need Thee every hour’.
 

Luke 11:5-13


And he said to them, ‘Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, “Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.” And he answers from within, “Do not bother me; the door has already been locked, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot get up and give you anything.” I tell you, even though he will not get up and give him anything because he is his friend, at least because of his persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.
‘So I say to you, Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you. For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? 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!’

Here, it seems, that Jesus is being asked ‘What is the point?’ Perhaps one of the community has experienced unanswered prayer or suffered despite their faith. When persistence feels like it has not worked. Do you ask this of God, do you question even as you pray?
 

Jesus gives a counterplay of responses – an egg for a scorpion, a snake for a fish. When we pray from desire – do we know where that desire might lead. Is it right for God to answer?

As you listen again, notice that the good gift that Jesus believes we should desire, is the Holy Spirit. Our prayer is for discernment, wisdom and all the gifts that the Spirit will give. This is why we persevere.
 

‘For everyone who asks receives, and everyone who searches finds, and for everyone who knocks, the door will be opened.’ Spend time with this verse today and recall it at times of prayer.
 

Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Spirit. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.