"No one knows the Father but" Jesus and anyone to whom Jesus "wishes to reveal Him" (Mt 11:27). We are included in the "anyone" Jesus mentions. Today, Jesus is revealing the heart of God the Father to us. Here are some revelations Jesus gives us:

• The Father considers us His children. This is so critical for our prayer life that the first thing Jesus teaches us about prayer is to call God our "Father" (Lk 11:2).
• If the weary father refused hospitality by refusing the midnight request for loaves, he would bring dishonor on himself and his village (Lk 11:5ff). As the weary father is a man of honor, and provides for those in need, so God the Father is a God of honor and provides for our needs.
• The Father is far more eager to provide for us than the weary father is to silence a noisy neighbor (Lk 11:8).
• People can be persistent with those who will be angry with them. How much more should we be persistent with the Father Who loves us beyond measure! There is "the necessity of praying always and not losing heart" (Lk 18:1).
• Jesus reveals that what the Father most wants to give us is the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is so much better than the "good things" of this life (Lk 11:13). If it seems that God didn't answer your prayer, check to see if you received the Holy Spirit. Either He gave you what you asked for, or gave something better, that is, the Holy Spirit (see Rm 5:5).

Rescript:  †Most Reverend Daniel E. Pilarczyk, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 3, 2007

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