Holy Gospel of Jesus Christ according to Saint Luke 11, 5-13

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend
to whom he goes at midnight and says,
‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey
and I have nothing to offer him,’
and he says in reply from within,
‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked
and my children and I are already in bed.
I cannot get up to give you anything.’
I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves
because of their friendship,
he will get up to give him whatever he needs
because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives;
and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
What father among you would hand his son a snake
when he asks for a fish?
Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him?”

Go to

1. Friend. A friend is someone who walks with you and listens to you. Friendship means being noble and good company. Jesus makes things clear through friendship so you can understand your relationship with God in prayer. He wants what’s best for you and walks with you, He won’t let go or judge you. This is a friendship that doesn’t demand anything from you or ask for anything because it’s part of an easy, natural relationship. When a relationship is unhealthy, it’s demanding and needy; it asks for things and makes things complicated, it suffocates and consumes you. Most of all, it’s exclusive and shuts others out. God doesn’t offer you that; He offers to come to you so you can find yourself.

2. Persistence. We’ve seen the importance of prayer these last few days. But today, we see how important it is to persevere. Life is a daily struggle, and you must be aware that you can’t achieve anything without sticking with it and fighting. If you’re convinced that this is your path to happiness, then keep at it. The harvest comes from many attempts at sowing and from understanding that so many failures teach you to keep going until you reach excellence.

3. The Spirit. Your prayer is key to calming your soul, and your soul is what helps you grow in the Spirit. You are the temple of the Spirit, so let’s end this meditation praying “Come, Creator Spirit”

Come, Holy Spirit, Creator come, 
From your bright heavenly throne!
Come, take possession of our souls, 
And make them all your own.

You who are called the Paraclete,
Best gift of God above,
The living spring, the living fire, 
Sweet unction, and true love!
You who are sevenfold in your grace, 
Finger of God’s right hand,
His promise, teaching little ones
To speak and understand!
O guide our minds with your blessed light, 
With love our hearts inflame,
And with your strength which never decays
Confirm our mortal frame.
Far from us drive our hellish foe 
True peace unto us bring,
And through all perils guide us safe
Beneath your sacred wing.
Through you may we the Father know,
Through you the eternal Son
And you the Spirit of them both
Thrice-blessed three in one.
All glory to the Father be,
And to the risen Son;
The same to you, O Paraclete,
While endless ages run. 

Amen.

Remember that something good is on the way! 

God bless you and protect you in the name of the Father, of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.