“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you” (Mt 7:7).
Today’s gospel reminds us that God is always there for us and is willing to give gifts to his people if we simply ask, seek for it or knock on the door. These may seem like simple actions, however, taking that first step to knock on the door can be hard to do. Do I really need to do this, or can I manage it on my own? What if my prayers aren’t answered?
On this day 7 years ago, my grandfather on my dad’s side passed away. In the weeks leading up to his eventual passing, my family diligently prayed the rosary almost every night. To my 8th grade self then, it felt more like just saying a bunch of words while holding a necklace with pretty beads on it. My younger self did not understand at the time the meaning and significance of this prayer, nor did I see any effect of this prayer on my life. As I also had never experienced a death like this in the family before, I was also unaware of what it really felt like for someone to be gone. Therefore, upon notice of his passing, I felt incredibly hurt, unable to process that someone I was close to was now gone. And so, for the first time that night, I stepped towards the door by myself and knocked. I prayed by myself, not the rosary in particular, but just a prayer in my own words asking God to heal me, my family, and ensure that my grandfather makes it to heaven safely and that his legacy may continue to live within us. That was the first time I had actually taken that step to knock on the door and ask for God’s help, and I was able to witness God’s work through my prayer. Not only were me and my family eventually consoled, but it drew me closer to God, inspiring me to live a faithful life and share my gifts as my grandfather did.
Lent, and life in general, will always come with its struggles and hardships. In those times, don’t be afraid to ask God for help. Take a small period of time, no matter how short, to relax and knock, asking God, even in your own words, for any gifts you are in need of. He is waiting for you on the other side of the door.
— Waverley Achacoso