Reflection on Jun01st 2019
Feast of St. Justin, Martyr
Whatever You Ask..
Feast of St. Justin, Martyr
Whatever You Ask..
Acts 18:23-28; Psalm 47:2-3, 8-10; John 16:23-28
Link to Readings
Did you hear what Jesus said today in the Gospel reading? “Amen, Amen I say to you” or “Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Whenever Jesus used the words “Amen, Amen I say to you” or “Truly, truly I say to you”, that means he is not joking; it is not a figurative speech either; he is speaking of real truth. Jesus added “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name” giving the reason why we did not receive what we asked. But, don’t we end every prayer to the Father with the words “We ask this through Jesus, Your Son …”?
May be that was not what Jesus meant. What he meant could be to ask from the Father as one who bears his name; who is ready to testify for his name. One who bears Jesus’ name and ready to testify to that name thinks like Jesus, wishes like Jesus and therefore, the one’s requirements and necessities agrees with those of Jesus. Who has the same mind of Jesus does not have to end the prayer with the words “We ask this through Jesus..” but with “Your will be done”.
Apollos knew the connection of the Scripture to Jesus through his education. Only the Holy Spirit revealed to him that Jesus was the Messiah. Only through the Holy Spirit could Apollos reach the Father in the name of Jesus.
Link to Readings
Did you hear what Jesus said today in the Gospel reading? “Amen, Amen I say to you” or “Very truly, I tell you, if you ask anything of the Father in my name, he will give it to you.” Whenever Jesus used the words “Amen, Amen I say to you” or “Truly, truly I say to you”, that means he is not joking; it is not a figurative speech either; he is speaking of real truth. Jesus added “Until now you have not asked for anything in my name” giving the reason why we did not receive what we asked. But, don’t we end every prayer to the Father with the words “We ask this through Jesus, Your Son …”?
May be that was not what Jesus meant. What he meant could be to ask from the Father as one who bears his name; who is ready to testify for his name. One who bears Jesus’ name and ready to testify to that name thinks like Jesus, wishes like Jesus and therefore, the one’s requirements and necessities agrees with those of Jesus. Who has the same mind of Jesus does not have to end the prayer with the words “We ask this through Jesus..” but with “Your will be done”.
Apollos knew the connection of the Scripture to Jesus through his education. Only the Holy Spirit revealed to him that Jesus was the Messiah. Only through the Holy Spirit could Apollos reach the Father in the name of Jesus.