Ask and you will receive

Readings: 1st: Acts 18:9-18; Ps: 48; Gos: Jn 16:20-23

This brief reflection was written by Rev. Fr. Njoku Canice Chukwuemeka, C.S.Sp. He is a Catholic Priest and a Member of the Congregation of the Holy Ghost Fathers and Brothers (Spiritans). He is currently working with the Spiritan International Group of Puerto Rico &  Dominican Republic. He is the Administrator of Parroquia La Resurrección del Senor, Canovanas and the Chancellor of the Diocesis of Fajardo-Humacao, Puerto Rico. For more details and comments contact him on: canice_c_njoku@yahoo.com, cancilleriadfh@gmail.com, canicechukwuemeka@gmail.com 

Today is Saturday of the sixth week of Easter. We continue to read from the book of consolation in the gospel according to John.

Today, Christ give his disciple a very important assurance. They will have full access to the Father. The mediation of Jesus opens the way for his disciples to the Father.

Christ says: “In all truth I tell you, anything you ask from the Father in My name, He will grant it to you.” Yes, he means it. However, our request must not be contrary to the will of God for us.

This also means that, in union with Christ, our petition becomes effective. Hence, the object of any petition to the Father must always be joined to Christ, to His love, and to his will.

So, we always ask for things through prayer. Sometimes our prayer is answered very fast and sometimes it takes more time. It depends on God, and not us.

Even when it seems to us that our prayer is not answered, we should not bother. Rather, we should be patient, because God knows what is best for us.

The true gift of prayer is always the Father’s love. We are always gifted with the Spirit of Jesus to help us to pray.

This spirit is always active in our lives moves us to pray. This is why Paul reminds us that: “The Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us (Rom 8:26).

Therefore, let us always ask confidently in the name of Christ, because in his name, God will hear, inspire, direct and love us. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Peace be with you all!

Maranatha!