PRI Reflections on Scripture | Thursday of the 1st Week in Lent

Join Msgr. Don Fischer as he reads and delivers a short reflection on today’s gospel, followed by 3 1/2 minutes of contemplative music and a closing prayer. Msgr. Don hopes that today’s reflection on the gospel will empower you to carry the Word in your heart throughout the day.

Choose either the video or audio below.

Gospel
Matthew 7:7-12

Jesus said to his disciples:
"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?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will your heavenly Father give good things
to those who ask him.

"Do to others whatever you would have them do to you.
This is the law and the prophets."

Reflection

The Kingdom of God is our work here on this planet. We are here to participate in its becoming. And it doesn't just come to people. There's something within us that longs to understand it. So it's a beautiful way that Jesus is talking about how we participate in the Kingdom. We need to ask for wisdom. We need to seek answers.

We need to ponder questions. And most especially when we do this, the promise is that we will knock on the door of the kingdom and we will be allowed in.

Closing Prayer

Father, you make it clear that the kingdom is something that is experienced, both now and forever. And as we participate in its being founded on this earth, we are reminded that there's a simple rule that you could use, and that simply do to other people what you would like them to do to you. It's so simple, but yet so powerful. And we ask this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Kyle Cross