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As a child I picked up the idea that it was best to be hesitant to ask for things. Instead, giving was the seen as the ideal, and being able to anticipate the needs of others (without them asking) and to respond appropriately was seen as an ultimate virtue.
Naturally I applied my hesitancy about asking to my beginning relationship with God as well thinking that it was better to thank and praise God than to ask God for what I thought I needed.
Years later i realised how much I like to be asked for help or for things I might be able to provide. I liked that someone would be willing to ask me for something.
There’s an attractive humility there, and even an affirmation that I am seen as willing to help and generous Then I realised that if I like to be asked, then perhaps God likes to be asked as well?
The answer is YES – God does like to be asked and here’s the proof in today’s gospel reading:
“Jesus said to his disciples, ‘Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. For the one who asks always receives; the one who searches always finds; the one who knocks will always have the door opened to them. Mt 7
I like the way that asking God is not a guarantee that we will get exactly what we ask for. God is not a fairy godmother, granting three wishes no questions asked.
Instead God responds as a loving parent, not simply giving the child everything but at times holding out so that a greater blessing can be bestowed and received.
The simple act of asking awakens my capacity to receive, and focusses my hope.
And I also like the way that the three words ask, seek and knock spell ASK – that doesn’t happen with these words in other languages which surely is proof that God likes working in English
Not sure the FFF readers in Italy will agree with me 
CAFE GATHERINGS
Send your date and time to add to the list, and just turn up at at one of the advertised gatherings, just one hour, focussing on where we are encountering Christ.
TODAY WHANGANUI
Thursday 13 March 7.00am (note correction – am not pm)
Invitation from Kate
St Mary’s Church, Whanganui.
TODAY TAURANGA
Thursday 13 March 10.30am
Invitation from Frances
Zest cafe in Greerton
CHRISTCHURCH
Monday 17 March 10.00am (wear Green for St. Patrick)
Invitation from Trish
Cafe Moko
Bush Inn Centre, Waimairi Rd.
TRENTHAM
Tuesday 18th March 1pm
Invitation from Kat
Cafe Equinox
458 Fergusson Drive, Trentham,
NEW PLYMOUTH
Wednesday 19 March 10.00am
Invitation from Joan
Stumble Inn
200 Mangorei Road New Plymouth
AUCKLAND NORTH SHORE
Thursday 20 March 10.30am
Invitation from Catherine
Columbus Coffee
219 Don McKinnon Drive (outside Westfield overlooking the lake) Albany
What a great reflection- I needed to be reminded of ASK.
A great reflection thank you and for the larger print !
Ha ha John, re the Italian (and the non English speaking) readers of fff = there’s a contingent of angels working day and night to translate the world wide cute observations of God’s Word have a good day!
I agree with you, Fr. John. To ask, to seek, to knock, means to persevere in the request and to acknowledge our powerlesness and need for God. Thanks for reminding us about this.
All my life I have been in conversation with God asking for all I want and think I need. I can’t image not having God with me as me confidant. Although sometimes I think myself a bit selfish when children are dying in war who too are asking and there is no answer to their plight.
Thank you for today’s A.S.K. reflection, Father John, and for returning to the previous font. Blessings!