For everyone who asks, receives, and the one who seeks, finds. (Mt. 7:7-12)

Jesus once again exhorts us to perseverance and conviction that the goodness of God will result in us receiving what we need. The challenge for us is that we often do not understand the silence we may encounter or the answer we receive. Yet, Jesus reminds us that if we, as very imperfect beings, can give good things to our children, how could our heavenly Father not do even more. Interestingly, the gospel writer adds one more line from Jesus: “Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.” Maybe this placement is, in part, to remind us that our prayers should regularly include the needs of others.