Ask, Seek, Knock

Ask, Seek, Knock

In today’s gospel Luke presents three episodes concerned with prayer.

The first (Lk 11:1–4) recounts Jesus teaching his disciples the Christian communal prayer, the “Our Father”; the second (Lk 11:5–8), the importance of persistence in prayer; the third (Lk 11:9–13), the effectiveness of prayer.  Taken from U.S.C.B Website

Our offertory song “Seek Ye First” (#435) highlights Jesus command to “ask, seek and knock”.  Here is an interesting back-story from Karen Lafferty, the composer.

It was back in 1971. I had quit my entertainment job and was trying to support myself with teaching guitar lessons. I had three students! When my savings were all gone and I had no money to make my car payments, I became very discouraged and confused. One evening I went to a Bible study at church, and we talked about Matthew 6:33.1 was tremendously encouraged and challenged by the words about Christ's kingdom. So I went home, wrote the tune, recorded it on a tape recorder, and then sang this little descant part.  I taught the song at church the next week, and it caught on right away. The Lord really paved the way for me with that song. "Seek Ye First" has opened doors for me all over the world. And because it's in so many hymnbooks, about 40 percent of my (income to run my) mission…..comes from that song!

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This is Bruce, again:

In keeping with Jesus’ command to ask, seek and knock, I’d like to do the same.

It’s not really for me.  It’s for St.
Mary’s.  To be more exact, it’s for a small but mighty group of parishioners who started and sustain our monthly “We Are St. Mary’s” coffee hours.  (See the pictures and articles in this bulletin.)

The group is energized and excited about the turnout of parishioners who have stayed, chatted and gotten to know each after mass.

Here’s my concern:  If we don’t find additional people to help, our volunteers will burn-out and the group will be unable to sustain its efforts.

You can help by joining us!  So, I’m asking for your help.

·     If you come to the 7:30 mass:

I’m seeking people to stay ½ hour after mass to help set up.

·     If you come to the 9 a.m.

I’m seeking people to come serve after mass.

·     If you come to the 10:30 mass:

I’m seeking people to either come early (10 a.m.) or stay after mass to help.

·     If you come to the 12 noon mass:

I’m seeking people to stay after mass and help us break down.  (Our St. Mary’s staff will do the rest on Monday).

·     If you come to the 5:30 mass:

I’m seeking people to stop back on Sunday morning.  Just come either at 9:40, 10:15 or 12:40 to help.  Stay as long as is convenient.

Knock, knock, knock….

We are St. Mary’s is calling.

Please answer the call by leaving your name and phone number on the piano or e-mailing me at b.mauro1@yahoo.com

Blessed to be in ministry at St. Mary’s,

Bruce