Ask

‘Do not judge, so that you may not be judged. For with the judgement you make you will be judged, and the measure you give will be the measure you get. Why do you see the speck in your neighbor’s eye, but do not notice the log in your own eye? Or how can you say to your neighbor, “Let me take the speck out of your eye”, while the log is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your neighbor’s eye. ‘Do not give what is holy to dogs; and do not throw your pearls before swine, or they will trample them under foot and turn and maul 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 bread, will give a stone? Or if the child asks for a fish, will give a snake? If you then, you who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask him! ‘In everything do to others as you would have them do to you; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:1-12

Generosity is a scarce commodity these days. A premium is placed on winning, and on being the best by all means. Being generous seems to be a sign of weakness. And yet, Jesus tells us that our Creator is profoundly generous, profoundly compassionate and love incarnate. And if we ask, what we need will be provided. If we knock, we will be admitted and if we seek, we will know love profound and incarnate. It is hard to live in this world, yet, we are promised that if we ask, seek and knock, we will be blessed beyond measure.

Generous Creator, you are the one that answers

you open closed doors and help us find our way

your love is ever present, you love us like children

there is nothing that limits your unconditional love for us.

We are too often drawn to the way of the world

we are misguided, selfish and hoard our blessings

competing for the attention of the shallow world

thinking fame and fortune will solve the aches.

Make us your follower who live generously

give us compassion, tenderness and care

let us always be ready to seek you, ask and knock

trusting that you will love us all abundantly. Amen.