The WORD in other words (2009) by Fr. Brian Byrne, SVD – Australia
Thursday 1st Week of Lent
This is the prayer of the “poor in spirit” who know they are completely dependent on God. Like children, they simply ask for what they want, knowing they will receive good things from the one who loves them. However, like children we do not always have the wisdom to know what is good for us.
Just as a human parent would stop a child from reaching a stone or a snake because it cannot distinguish between a stone and a small loaf. The parent knows what the child wants and so satisfies his immediate request. Even more so, this is true of God.
Jesus encourages his disciples to ask. In asking we are turning to—facing God and we are opening our arms and our hearts to receive the grace that God is offering us at all times.
We may not have the wisdom to know what is good for us, but if we ask with our eyes fixed firmly on the Father, we will certainly get what we need. It may not be what we ask for but it will be what we need.
