October 9: Persistence Pays / La Persistencia da sus Frutos

Perseverance is based on trust, trust that we can reach the final destination we seek. In Luke 11, 5-13, the Gospel uses a more secular word, “persistence.” While “perseverance” connotes the lifelong journey or way to heaven, “persistence” is the refusal to be denied what we seek here and now. Such is the tone and attitude of Jesus’ parable. It is a parable which the Lord summarizes in these words: “Ask, and it will be given you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you.”

Jesus further summarizes the parable by asking, “How much more will God our Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him.” God’s Holy Spirit is poured into us and upon us and any good we do is the effect of His goodness – working through us. It is this grace which is at work in us when we persevere on the right path.

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San Lucas nos dice que Jesús oraba con frecuencia. Y oraba insistentemente, como en su agonía en el Huerto de los Olivos. En el Evangelio (11, 5-13) él nos dice que Jesús quiere que nosotros también seamos perseverantes, insistentes, e incluso atrevidos y audaces en nuestra oración – porque Dios es bueno. 

¿Cómo puede resistirse el Señor a escucharnos cuando oramos? Él nos dará no solo cosas buenas, sino también el Espíritu Santo, el don que contiene todos los dones: “Pidan y se les dará; busquen y hallarán; llamen y se les abrirá.”