Gospel of Luke, chapter 11:9

Do you wonder if God could cure a physical illness in your family? Well, consider the story of Lazarus. What might God be showing us through this miracle?

Jesus loved Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (John 11:5). Did he love them because Mary was willing to sit at his feet and listen to his words? Did he love them because Martha was so dedicated to making her home perfect for Jesus’ visits? We do not know. We only know that Jesus loves us, as He loved them.

God’s love for us is the primary reason we can go to our heavenly Father and ask Him for help. Parents know that their children depend on them. Children also know that their parents are willing, to the best of their ability, to help them achieve their goals and solve their problems.

This is an operating principle in every healthy family, and it is God’s operating principle, also. Jesus says: “if your child asks you, his father, for a fish, would you give him a snake instead? Or if he asks for an egg, will he give him a scorpion?” (Luke 11:11-12)

Martha and Mary understood this principle. This is why they asked Jesus for His help. This is why we should feel very confident about our relationship with God, and why we should feel free to ask Him for help. Our heavenly Father will not give us a stone if we ask for bread. Our heavenly Father wants to give us gifts that are far more important than the gifts fathers give to their own children (Matthew 7:9-11).

Remember each day to ask the Lord to protect and guide you and your family. Ask for love, wisdom, compassion, kindness, and generosity in your family. Ask for healing, for resolution of differences, for financial needs, and for peace.
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>Do you think that Jesus only visited the home of Lazarus, Martha and Mary by accident? No, He visited their home because they asked Him; because they had faith in Him?

Just as Jesus responded to the requests of Martha and Mary, He will respond to yours. Just as He wept with them during their time of suffering, He weeps with you; just as He cared for them, He cares for you if only you ask Him and have faith in Him.

Persist in prayer and remind one another that God will never abandon you, but will answer your petitions if only you ask Him.

That is why Jesus says: “ask and you shall receive; seek and you shall find; knock, and the door shall be opened to you.”

Fr. Hugh Duffy

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