Daily Meditation for October 6, 2022

The Gospel for today gives us Jesus’ message that God is the ever-dependable friend who knows our needs and will respond to them. Jesus begins by telling his disciples that there are times when a friend might not be able or willing to meet our need. The time may not be right, the favor may be too big or too trifling. But, Jesus adds, persistence can win the day! We could wear down any resistance and thus get our way. In the Gospel, three loaves of bread are requested. However, our needs may be much more significant: a kind word, a shoulder to cry on, relief from pain—things that a good friend would probably gladly supply. Sadly, people sometimes fail those who turn to them in their need, for whatever excuses. Jesus assures us that our Father in heaven will always be there for us.

By Carol Berg, OSB