Daily Catholic Lectio
Thu, 8 October 2026
XXVII Week in Ordinary Time
Gal 3:1-5; Lk 11:5-13
Clarity in Seeking
Human relationships are often built around needs. Sometimes the goodness of others helps us meet our needs. At other times, it is our persistence that helps us receive what we need.
In today’s Gospel, Jesus gives the example of a man who knocks at his friend’s door at midnight.
The help he finally receives—the bread—is not given simply because the other man is his friend or because of his goodness. It is given because the man continues to knock. His persistence brings the response.
The man in the story is clear about what he is seeking. He also knows whose door he must knock on.
Jesus tells us: Ask, seek, and knock.
First, ask. I must know clearly what I need. This is the first step. If I myself do not know what I need, my asking will remain vague.
Second, seek. I must focus on what is necessary and move towards it without allowing myself to be distracted by other things.
Third, knock. When one attempt does not succeed, I must continue trying. This is perseverance.
Even with a simple question such as, “Would you like coffee or tea?” we sometimes leave the answer to someone else. We say: “Anything is fine,” “What do you have?” or “What are you having?”
Sometimes we expect others to decide even our simplest choices for us.
In the same way, we often complain that God does not answer our prayers. But if we ourselves are not clear about what we are asking, how can we expect clarity in the answer?
For example, we may pray: “Let wars end and let peace come.” But which war? Where? When do we hope it will end? What kind of peace are we asking for?
Often our prayer remains general because our desire itself is not clear.
Clarity does not mean that God needs detailed information from us. God already knows our needs. Clarity is necessary for us. It helps us understand what we truly desire, what we are willing to seek, and whether we are ready to persevere.
Jesus therefore teaches us not merely to pray, but to pray with direction. Know what you are asking. Know what you are seeking. Know at whose door you are knocking. Those who have clarity in their seeking can move more steadily towards their goal.
Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi
Archdiocese of Madurai
A Yesni Prays Initiative
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