Thursday of the Twenty-seventh Week in Ordinary Time
While strolling through the student neighborhood near the University of Dayton (UD) campus, I noticed the father (presumably) of a student placing groceries on his son or daughter’s front porch. I could tell he had already made a few trips back and forth from his car. On the steps sat large packages of chicken, bags of charcoal, several two-liter bottles of beverages, chips, salsa, and bottles of BBQ sauce. I surmised that not only was this dad preparing to cook for his son or daughter in celebration of Parent’s Weekend, but he planned to include several of their friends, too.
I glanced at the vehicle’s license plate and noticed that the parents had traveled all the way from Maryland. All that time on the road! Then to grocery shop! Then to spend the evening cooking for their freshman or sophomore and many of his or her friends! I was impressed, and appreciated the parents’ care and dedication.
After reading Jesus’ parable in Luke 11:5-13, I can’t help but to think of all of the UD parents who traveled from far and wide to visit their children and bring them gifts –tangible and intangible. Another stroll in the neighborhood later in the day revealed multiple outdoor gatherings of students and their parents, many of whom were enjoying competitive rounds of corn hole.
I also reflect on God’s desire to give all of his children good gifts. In fact, he desires to give us one of the best gifts of all – the Holy Spirit, our Advocate, Helper, and Teacher.
However, unlike the UD parents, God is perfect and perfectly good. He knows how to give us that which is in accordance with his will. Just imagine what God can give if imperfect human parents can gift their children an unforgettable Parent’s Weekend party!
Additionally, it is helpful to know that the Greek word used in verse 10 for the verb “seek” implies a very active kind of seeking. The sort of seeking here is one that requires us to move, inquire, and search for something as if it were hidden. Do you remember that last time you misplaced your keys or your wallet, or (GASP!) your phone? Do you recall how active you were in the search?
In contrast, other verbs for “seek” in the New Testament do not require such effort on our part; sometimes we quickly check Google to find the cheapest gasoline in our area or to answer a random question. The search is casual and aimed primarily at obtaining information. As we persevere in prayer, the kind of seeking we need to do is the kind that gets us moving.
God is our Loving Parent who encourages us all to persevere in prayer and believe he understands just what we need (and what we do not). When we actively seek what we need, we are not alone. Jesus is with us. Even as we wait for answered prayers, the Lord will surely teach us a great deal about discipleship along the way. Our perseverance will inevitably bring us closer to God.
-Rachael Griggs