Ask and you will receive

While Matthew’s version underlines forgiveness of transgressions in the “Lord’s Prayer” (6:14-15), Luke highlights trust and confidence.

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This is illustrated by the parable of a Friend Who Knocks at Midnight and Jesus’ command to ask, to seek, and knock.

The parable makes a comparison between a man who bothers his friend late in the evening and a father who gives good gifts to his children.

The bothersome neighbor puts his friend on a bind by reminding him of the obligation of hospitality, to give loaves of bread to a visitor.

In a culture bound by the duty of hospitality, to refuse a neighbor in need is tantamount to refusing hospitality to his visitor— thus, putting the burden of shame on the one who refuses. He will also lose face before the community in not helping.

Jesus teaches that God need not be “awakened” to respond to our petitions as he is a loving father who knows our needs. But we have to ask him in prayer.

In prayer we are communicating with him, thank him for his goodness, and show that we need his help.

Not to pray, yet hope and wait for his sustenance, reveals that we are spoiled children who make demands of God.

First Reading • Mal 3:13-20b