What Do We Need?

  Asking for needs versus wants can seem like a disappointment in prayer if our basic needs for food, shelter and safety are met.  But Jesus considers something else as a basic necessity:  Holy Spirit.  He tells us this in Luke 11:11-13, "Is there anyone among you who, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish?  Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion?  If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
  The fish and the egg represent a basic necessity - food.  And a child needs to have food given to her.  We wouldn't expect a child to earn food.  Further Jesus speaks of his Father as giving the Holy Spirit to those who ask.  The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives does not have to be earned and is as much a necessity as food.

  For reflection:  How much Holy Spirit do I have in my life? How much do I need?
  Let us pray.  Father, giver of all good gifts, I ask today for more of the presence of your Holy Spirit in my life.  I have a great need for the strengthening, the power and the love of the Holy Spirit.

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