March 13, 2025

Thursday of the First Week in Lent

Lectionary 227

Matthew 7:7-12:

Meditation

“How come I've been praying for a special grace for a long time and haven't received it yet?" We've all made a similar statement at one time or another. But are we putting the cart before the horse? Before storming heaven for our special grace, did we ask God if we needed that grace?

What we need is often evident to us; it's what we need. But do we see with God's vision? Do we know what is best for us? Praying to be enlightened to our needs is the first step. Then, with God's answer in mind, we ask and will receive. Jesus did everything in the will of the Father, for the Father's glory. Jesus gave us the example of perfect prayer; we do well to imitate him.

At La Salette, Mary promised "rocks and stones will be changed into mounds of wheat and potatoes will be self-sown in the fields." Her promise is preceded by "If they are converted," which means, if they are conformed to the Father's will.