17th Sunday in Ordinary Time
Gn 18:20-32
Col 2:12-14
Lk 11:1-13
“And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.
This verse from today’s Gospel passage was my ‘scriptural door gift’ at a prayer service I attended a few years ago. Each of us was supposed to draw from a basket one tiny roll of paper, which would reveal a verse meant for our personal reflection at home. We were all amused to hear the priest in charge quip that we just needed to take one roll each and not “take until you see one you like,” and yet I was mildly relieved to see this verse as I unfurled my scroll, as it seemed like a reassuring indication of our Father’s grace and generosity.
Nonetheless my interpretation of this verse has evolved. When I was younger, I understood these words to mean I could ask for ‘good stuff’ such as health of body and mind for my loved ones, or success in examinations and work (as well as various events like safe holidays, which seemed slightly frivolous yet, didn’t Jesus welcome us to bring everything to Him in prayer?). But as I gradually learned about the nature of intercessory prayer and how it brings us closer to God, even if it seems to go unanswered (and the bittersweet fact that God’s plans are not always our plans, no matter how good our plans seem to be), I felt slightly wary about whether this verse had given me misguided hopes, though I also wondered if it served as a call for us to persevere in prayer. Nowadays, when I come across this passage, I feel unsure about what I should even ask for — other than stronger trust in our Lord’s love for us, as well as grace and guidance about what I should be searching for as I bumble through my faith journey.
Last year, I was facing uncertainty at work because I had received news that my contract would probably not be renewed. A call from my previous workplace about a vacancy seemed to be a timely answer to a prayer I hadn’t even articulated and, after some thought, I returned to my previous office in relief and gratitude (albeit with some anxiety, since I was not sure if I really wanted to do such work again).
Just thirteen months later, I am facing similar uncertainty as my office just announced plans for restructuring, as well as the news that my senior colleagues would be transferring. I would like to believe that God had a reason for enabling me to return; but a small voice at the back of my mind frets that perhaps I made the wrong decision last year. I also remain unsure about what I want to ask God for again, other than faith and patience in Him (as well as the capacity to take my work in my stride — whether I remain, or have to knock on a different door). But maybe this is precisely where our Father wants to send the Holy Spirit, if I am willing to surrender to His plans.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Jaclyn Lam)
Prayer: Lord, help me to persevere in prayer. Help me to seek what you want to give me.
Thanksgiving: Lord, thank you for how You watch over me and how You walk with me. Help me to be open to your grace and blessings in all situations.
OXYGEN 
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