Our Father's gifts....

Luke 11: 5 - 13

...how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?

Today, someone sent me a power point presentation about the violence against Christians in Orissa, India. It is something about which I have read, but this time I could see the facts in pictures....and the reality was much more graphic. In the light of such persecution, it is (or so it seems) difficult to be praising the God who, we claim, gives us many undeserved gifts.......

Today's reading reminds us of a God who is desirous of 'giving' - a God who is compared with a not so hospitable neighbour - and comes out tops!

The rule of hospitality in the ancient world meant that any guest who arrived, even at odd hours would be hosted with a meal. And bread was the staple, used to dip into the common dishes. Asking for bread from one's neighbour was common and usually the favor was granted. To refuse would be a sign of a lack of hospitality.

What can we rightly expect from God, since we realize that he does not give according to our rules, and that, on the other hand, we cannot lay 'claim' of his grace and favor? It is easy to praise God for his generosity during good times, when we are well fed and live in relative safety.

In view of the terrible conditions faced by some of our fellow humans throughout the world, it becomes less easy to glibly give thanks to the generous One.............Our hearts go out to those whose cries for help seem to fall on deaf ears, of the authorities, of the law, of even God himself. Why this is so is complete 'mystery' and we can only submit ourselves in silence, like Job....... In the meantime, we join our hearts with those who cry out to God day and night, and pray that our gift of prayer (and whatever practical aid can be rendered) may be an acceptable sacrifice of praise to God. He is all we have....he has 'given' the greatest gift of all - his beloved Son. Clinging to that reminds me that coming before the Cross helps put things in better perspective, even while the big picture defies understanding.

Lord, teach us to pray what is on your heart....for the victims of violence and injustice throughout the world.