When I was still discerning whether to apply to a seminary, I searched the web for all I could find about discerning a vocation. One quote from a book I bought stood out for me: “God can’t drive a parked car.” The author’s advice was that there will come a point in discernment when you have to stop doing research and actually apply at a seminary. Handing in your application does not automatically mean that you will get accepted. There is still a process to go through. But the important thing is that I do something. This I did, and my discernment continued inside the seminary.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus taught his disciples the importance of seeking and asking God in prayer. While the Father already knows what you need, what is essential is our persistence in communicating with Him. It is only through consistent prayer that we can deepen our relationship with Him. It is only through prayer that we are able to listen to Him as he speaks to us. But we cannot do these if we do not act and we cannot do this if we do not pray.

The Gospel reminds me that it is important to be persistent and consistent in communing with God. It is not enough to say that I will spend time with Him every day. I can think of many things I would like to do for God, but if they remain as thoughts, nothing will happen. Nothing will happen if we do not move. Nothing will happen if we do not pray. Nothing will happen if we do not start the car.

By: Sem. Richard Anthony Lim

Today’s Gospel

Luke 11:5-13

Jesus said to his disciples:
“Suppose one of you has a friend
to whom he goes at midnight and says,
‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread,
for a friend of mine has arrived at my house from a journey
and I have nothing to offer him,’
and he says in reply from within,
‘Do not bother me; the door has already been locked
and my children and I are already in bed.
I cannot get up to give you anything.’
I tell you, if he does not get up to give him the loaves
because of their friendship,
he will get up to give him whatever he needs
because of his persistence.

“And I tell you, ask and you will receive;
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.
What father among you would hand his son a snake
when he asks for a fish?
Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg?
If you then, who are wicked,
know how to give good gifts to your children,
how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit
to those who ask him?”