Daily Gospel Reflection for February 18, 2016

Today's Gospel: Matthew 7, 7-12

Jesus urges us to ask God for what is good for us, reminding us that God only wants to give us what is good for us.
God wants us to have what is good for us.
God wants to give us what is good for us.
God wants us to ask for what is good for us.
God wants us to do what is good for us.
God wants us to know that when we do what is good for others, we have done what is good for us.

God knows what we need, and it's not all about the creature comforts and the shallow things that we might find ourselves wanting. Our challenge is letting go of the desire to tell God what we think we need, to ask for the Lord to give us what is best for us, to seek ways to do what is good for others, to knock on that door to the Kingdom that will be opened to those who believe, trust and surrender our wills to His.

Today, may we seek to serve others with the same abundant, generous love God shows to us, to seek His Kingdom by serving Him and those around us.

Ponder:

When I ask God for something, am I asking for what I think is good for me rather than what God knows is good for me?

Pray:

Lord, help me to trust in your goodness and providence. Help me to abandon my ideas of what is good for me and accept your will for me.

Copyright 2016 Barb Szyszkiewicz, OFS

Barb Szyszkiewicz, OFS is a married mom of three and a secular Franciscan. Barb maintains two blogs, Franciscanmom and Cook and Count and is an editorial consultant for CatholicMom. She volunteers at the school library and enjoys Notre Dame football and basketball.