“Ask and it will be given to you; 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.”
Matthew
As I was pondering this wonderful passage on the way to work this morning, I heard a story on NPR (National Public Radio in the U.S.) about a boat filled with Syrian refuges sinking near Greece. An Arab-speaking boater heard the distress call, rescued people and was arrested for his good deed. He has since been released due to public protest.
On my treadmill a bit earlier, I had been planning this reflection, thinking of several things that I have been praying for that broke my way. YES!!! GOD DELIVERS AGAIN! But then I heard the NPR story and asked what’s the difference between the refugees and me.
Is it because I pray and they don’t? Not likely.
Is it because God loves me more than them? Also unlikely.
Is it because I deserve my blessings while they don’t? No way.
The only thing I can conclude is that much about the interaction between God and humans is mysterious. However I have learned that sometimes when God answers our prayers, what seems like a door closing is really a door opening.
The rescuer told NPR that he plans to continue trying to save people regardless of the consequences. Now he’s gained a worldwide audience for his work and his cause. Maybe others will be inspired to rescue refugees, not just from drowning but by resettling them in safe countries. I think I hear a door cracking open.
Those of us who live incredibly fortunate lives can only show our gratitude by acting as God’s instruments in the world. In our own small ways, we need to be the answer to the prayers of others just like that boater off the coast of Greece and leave God’s mysteries to God.
Eileen Wirth
I’m a retired Creighton journalism professor, active in St. John’s parish and a CLC member. In retirement, I write books about state and local history, including a history of the parish, and do volunteer PR consulting for groups like Habitat for Humanities, refugees etc. I love to read, work out, spend time with family and friends including those who can no longer get out much.
Writing reflections has deepened my faith by requiring me to engage deeply with Jesus through the Scriptures. In the many years I have been doing this, I’ve also formed friendships with regular readers nationally, most of whom I have never met. Hearing from readers and what I learn by writing make the hours I spend on each reflection well worth the effort.
