Ask and You Will Receive

May 19, 2007

Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter

He had been instructed in the Way of the Lord and, with ardent spirit, spoke and taught accurately about Jesus, although he knew only the baptism of John. He began to speak boldly in the synagogue; but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the Way (of God) more accurately. Acts 18:25-26

Whatever you ask the Father in my name he will give you. Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete. John 16:23-24

Piety

Let us pray: God, author of all lessons, as we meet you in today scriptures and in the day ahead, help us to be faithful to your teaching. Open our eyes and hearts to guide our success in life. Open our mind to new teachings and lessons so we can seek you with a greater understanding. Open our hands to the work you have sent us to accomplish today and tomorrow and everyday. We ask you these things because your son, Jesus, encouraged us to. We pray that He will intercede with you on our behalf that you may grant these petitions in His glorious name. Amen.

Study

http://www.usccb.org/nab/051907.shtml

As we move into the seventh and final week after Easter, today’s readings give us a chance to pause and reflect upon what has occurred liturgically over the last three months and how it has affected us, changed us and strengthened us for the challenges ahead.

First, there is piety. Jesus is here again as always, encouraging us to pray to the Father in his name. (Ask and you will receive. Seek and you will find. Knock and the door will be opened for you. Matthew 7:7-8) “In his farewell conversations Jesus encouraged his disciples to pray in his name, expecting their prayers to be answered. In a way this is much like the word about faith. Faith is a trusting relationship, and acting in the name of Jesus is acting for him, in his cause, and doing what he would do; it is to act in a relationship of discipleship, which is a relationship of trust and belief.”[1]

Second, there is study. In today’s reading from Acts, we encounter a confident Apollos, a key preacher and teacher in the early Church spreading the Good News. However, even the greatest preachers still have a lot to learn. Apollos is taken aside and given more instruction. With this, he becomes and even more effective preacher. We, too, must always be willing and open to new lessons. We must continue to learn more about our God, our Church and our faith.

Finally, we see in these two examples (Jesus and Apollos) men of action. They have acted on their mission and brought – through their thoughts, words and deeds – the Word of God and a new way of life to those they encountered.

If we are faithful to this path, then God will bless us with growth that will bring us closer.

I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Action

Apollos had been instructed in his faith and then shared that with others. Like his example, we too can learn a lot by teaching.

All of our churches need religious educators for young children, youth, teens and adults. Consider volunteering to be a teacher in your parish religious education program. In such a role you will 1) learn new lessons about our faith; 2) spread the Good News to people who are seeking a greater depth in their faith and 3) inspire others to act.

As the current school year is ending, check with your parish Director of Religious Education to see what openings they have for volunteer teachers in upcoming programs.

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[1] http://www.beswick.info/rclresources/17C95Ser.htm