St. Luke (11, 1-13) tells us today that Jesus is at prayer when someone comes and asks Him to teach them how to pray. They do not ask Jesus what He is praying about, so notice that what He teaches them is a “technique” – more than the words to use. What He says to them is: this is how you do it, and these are some things to pray about, but first put yourself in the presence of God and acknowledge your relationship (you are God’s child) and give God glory: “Father, you are Holy.” Only then does He propose some things to ask for: God’s Kingdom, whatever is needed for the day, forgiveness, and the courage to resist temptation.
Jesus then quickly moves to tell a story that ends with a promise. In the story, it is easy to think that we are the ones who are knocking on the door, and that God is the friendly neighbor. This, however, is not the only way to hear the story. Do we really like the idea that God is sleeping and must be awakened to know about our needs? Instead, let’s consider this: this is a story about us and how we must take care of one another – when there is a need – regardless of the time or the day, regardless of how we feel about the request. This parable is a story about friendship. It is a story about how friends share what they have, and about not being ashamed to ask a friend for help.
Throughout the Gospel of St. Luke, the narrative repeatedly mentions the intimate relationship between God the Father and Jesus the Son. It builds from there to emphasize the intimate relationship between the Son and His followers (a relationship which ideally comes to mirror the first one). By the end of the Gospel and throughout the Acts of the Apostles, St. Luke repeatedly mentions the hoped-for intimate relationship between the followers themselves. Do you recall these words? “We are one Body, the Body of Christ. And we do not stand alone.” Ponder this fundamental truth of our faith this week: we are one Body, we do not stand alone, and we will never look into the eyes of someone God does not love! Lord, teach us to pray and teach us to love one another.
