“In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins – not through strength but by perseverance.”

“Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful people with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” – Calvin Coolidge: (1872 – 1933: was an American politician and the 30th President of the United States (1923–1929).)

Gospel Text: (LK 11:5-13)

Jesus said to his disciples:
"Suppose one of you has a friend
to whom he goes at midnight and says,
'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey
and I have nothing to offer him,'
and he says in reply from within,
'Do not bother me; the door has already been locked
and my children and I are already in bed.
I cannot get up to give you anything.'
I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves
because of their friendship,
he will get up to give him whatever he needs
because of his persistence.

"And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
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.
What father among you would hand his son a snake
when he asks for a fish?
Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him?"

A man one day prayed to God and asked: “How long is a million years to you?”  And God said, “About a minute.”  The man then asked: “How much is a million dollars to you?”  And God said: “about a penny.”  The man prayed: “Please give me a penny.”  God said: “In a minute.”

God’s delay and our need to persist and persevere in prayer are mysterious dimensions of God’s providence.  Nevertheless, Jesus urges us: ‘Ask and you shall receive.”  And our prayers will be answered.  Abba, our loving father, will delight in giving us all that we need.