As the younger sibling, I assume (know for sure) I was the favorite child of my parents!! While my mother tried being a just parent and sided no one and gave equal punishment to the children, my father seemed shamelessly biased towards his “best child”— ME!
Like all dads, papa always has a soft corner for me ( more then others) and I would get away with asking permission for anything as a kid — may it be shopping or a bit of extra cash or a fancy snack!! While my brother grew smarter and tricked me into asking my dad for his benefit for treats and stuff, I had no qualms (and still do not) about asking my dad anything— he is always there to help me out ( so is my mother, but with additional mother advice).
In todays reading , Jesus says
Ask and it will be given to you;
seek and you will find;
knock and the door will be opened to you.
For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds;
and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Which one of you would hand his son a stone
when he asked for a loaf of bread,
or a snake when he asked for a fish?
It is as simple as that, however, God will give it to us– may not be exactly the way we would want or appreciate it. But we will get it! And yes like my brother if you feel like you need a mediator for a petition, there is always Mother Mary and the saints!
While this lent, my faith already seems to be wobbly and a lot harder to keep resolutions being away from home! I sat at the church ( yes! churches are full fledged with social distancing and covid precautions) and listened to the bilingual celebration of Eucharist in Hindi ( national language) and English wondering why I feel so anxious about minor setbacks and need to focus on my 3 aims of Lent 2021– praying the daily rosary, fasting from gossip and procrastination and alms giving to the needy!
It is hard to stick to resolutions while explaining to every non Christian about Lent and why I am chasing of to church at all my free days or abstaining from meat! It gets tiresome, trying to stick to self discipline, even at prayer when I could sleep in some more or feel weird to pray for longer then my usual 3 minutes! But I know I will push myself and so this week I ask God to give me the resilience to continue to dig deep in my faith and inner self!! So should you, like my brother said to my innocent 7 year old mind.. “all you have to do is ASK!”
P.S. Today my Papa turns 75 years and he celebrates 36 years of marriage to my mom! Kindly keep them in your prayers for a healthy and happy life!
Prayer:
Lord, I am struggling in the first week of Lent. I have failed some resolutions and feel ashamed and silly. I ask you to help me and guide m to stand here and put my petition and will power at your feet for a stronger and more disciplined me! Help me Lord to feel my faith and crush the anxiety!! May my Lent ahead may be fruitful with your blessings. Bless mama and papa with good health and a happy life ahead!
Amen.
