For those beginning recovery, these can be hard words to trust. We have long knocked at the doors of our addictions and unhealthy attachments expecting to be fed but have only been disappointed. We ourselves are not who we wanted to be and instead are filled with shame and regret, feeling unworthy to approach God’s door and ask for anything. Yet, Jesus reminds us what we’ve forgotten—God is our Father and we’re His beloved children. And He deeply desires to give us good gifts. 

“Which one of you would hand his son a stone when he asks for a loaf of bread, or a snake when he asks for a fish?” (Matthew 7:9-10).

How can we believe the words above and learn to approach God with childlike confidence? Thankfully, we have the Step One prayer of surrender where we call out to God in anguish for relief from our addictions and unhealthy dependencies. Remembering our heavenly Father heard our cry for help and offered us the gift of freedom and joy, we can continue to knock and seek good things from the Lord so that we might share them with others in recovery and beyond.  

We can trust that God will continue to answer our prayers and give us good things. And He offers us the greatest gift of all, the savior of the world and His beloved son, Jesus. During this Lenten season, let us ask God for the grace to keep approaching His door in prayer and expecting to receive the Bread of Life that is nothing less than Christ Himself. 

Reflection Questions

• We have often knocked on the door of addiction and self-will looking to be fed. How have these doors offered you only snakes and rocks? How has God instead offered you bread and fish?
• Sometimes the things we hold onto keep us from receiving the good gifts God wants to give us. What are you holding onto and how might the Lord be asking you to let it go?

Daily Mass Reflections

First Reading: Esther C:12, 14-16, 23-25
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 138:1-2ab, 2cde-3, 7c-8
Gospel: Matthew 7:7-12

Reflection by Ann A.