Persistence and Boldness

  There is another short story in Luke about being persistent and bold about asking for what you need.  Jesus proposes the following scenario:  "Suppose one of you has a friend, and he goes to him at midnight and says, 'Friend, lend me three loaves of bread, because a friend of mine on a journey has come to me, and I have nothing to set before him.'
  "Then the one inside answers, 'Don't bother me.  The door is already locked, and my children are with me in bed.  I can't get up and give you anything.'  I tell you, though he will not get up and give him the bread because he is his friend, yet because of the man's boldness he will get up and give him as much as he needs" (Luke 11:5-8).

  For reflection:  Put yourself in the picture.  With which man do you identify - the one asking for the bread or the one being asked for bread?  Are you outside asking for a favor, or inside not wanting to be bothered?
  Let us pray.  Father, here I am knocking on your door.  I hate to bother you again, but you said to be persistent and bold, so here I am.  I need . . . .

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