Saturday of the Sixth Week of Easter
“Until now you have not asked anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.” (John 16:24) Jesus seems almost disappointed that his disciples have not asked for anything. Some people pride themselves on never having to rely on others for getting a certain social status, etc. In today’s Gospel, however, Our Lord is encouraging a virtuous dependence on God. We should ask God for what we need. “Cast all your cares upon him because he cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:7) In asking Our Father for what we need we learn how closely He listens to us, and how much He cares for us.
Today, let us take the worries and concerns of the past week, and offer them one by one to the Lord. Let us ask Him to bless those in our lives who are in need, whom we have offended or who have offended us. Let us ask Him to help us with taking care of the people and things he has entrusted to our care. Let us ask for the virtues we need, especially love and patience. Above all, as Pentecost approaches let us join the whole Church and ask God for the gift of Himself which He so desires to give. Here we can use the prayer of St. Peter Faber: Father, in the name of your Son, give us the Spirit. Amen.