For the Asking

In today’s Gospel John 15:9-17 Jesus speaking to his apostles said “It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.”

I have often wondered how many devoted Christians actually follow these words. I am certain there are a large number of people who ask for God’s guidance as well as for material possessions. But when they ask him are they doing so in Jesus’ name? From early on in my journey of Faith I have thought myself unworthy to ask God for any personal favor. Whether it be for fame, fortune, or even good health. (This is not to say I don’t request these things of Him for others.) Of course this is a personal dilemma that I would never decree to the masses that they might find goodwill in my viewpoint. It has just been at the core of my existence to be an unjust thing to do. After all I have been given the gift of life, what more could I ask for? I guess it is a conscious decision to take the inch I have been given and not to press for the taking of the proverbial mile. But today’s Gospel has awakened my senses to the realization that it quite possibly could be acceptable to God that we ask for His favor insomuch as we remember to request these gifts in the name of his only begotten son, Jesus Christ. I don’t know if I am prepared to come off of my original stance on this quite yet, but this reading has certainly given me something to ponder.

In Christ,

Scott