The Duty and Art of Asking

IN our spiritual and Christian life, we are expected to always ask God for all our needs, from the smallest to the biggest, from the most material to the most spiritual. We can never say that there are moments and situations when we don’t have to bother God about anything.

We should not be deceived by the thought that just because we have some talents, wealth, power, and other resources, we can be on our own, feeling totally independent from God. We have to explode the myth that we can be self-sufficient.

We have to realize in fact that all these resources that we may happen to possess come from God and can only be used properly with Him and never without Him. Thus, St. Paul tells us clearly: “Whether you eat or drink, or whatsoever else you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Cor. 10:31) This is the attitude proper to us.

This kind of attitude would certainly require a radical spirit of humility, of self-denial, which actually is what would bring out our true dignity. Let’s remember what Christ has been telling us repeatedly. “Whoever shall exalt himself shall be humbled, and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” (Mt 23:12) Let’s realize that this is precisely the divinely mandated way to gain our greatness.

Despite being rebuffed at first if only to test her, she continued begging Christ, even making smart justifications for her persistence. Christ was impressed with her determination and so, he told her: “For this saying, go your way, the devil is gone out of your daughter.”

We have to learn to beg God for all our needs!