The red bicycle

Michael had spotted a shiny, red bicycle in the store window.  Then, he prayed to Jesus every day that he would get that bicycle for Christmas.  So, Christmas came and Michael ran downstairs to see the gifts under the tree.  But, there was no bicycle.  So, Michael took his wagon and headed down the street to church.  He sneaked into church and picked up the statue of Mary from the nativity.  He put it into his wagon, took it home, and stashed it under his bed.  Then, he prayed:  “Jesus, I have your mother.  When I get my bicycle, you can have her back.”

Michael was certainly persistent in his prayers.  Today’s first reading and the Gospel are both about persistence in our prayers.  In the first reading, Abraham negotiates with God to save the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah.  He negotiates God down from saving the cities if fifty good people are found to saving them with only ten good people. 

In the Gospel, Jesus tells the story about the man who goes at midnight to get three loaves of bread from his friend.  Jesus tells us:  “he will get up to give him whatever he needs because of his persistence.”

When our lives get difficult, whether it’s running out of bread when hospitality is called for, or running low on faith at critical moments, we are tempted to think that the Holy One is asleep behind a closed door. We feel very much on the outside, like Michael who didn’t get his bicycle. At these times it’s important to hear the keyword in the parable – the man went to the door of a “Friend.”

The parable presumes a favorable response. In need the petitioner went to a friend, not an uncaring, aloof stranger, but a friend. It was a setting where hospitality and generosity were expected.

Jesus shows us God’s hospitality. He provides the best bread for the hunger we face on our sometimes arduous journey.  We all know that it’s tiring to keep trying to do what is right and fair. It’s discouraging to love those who are less than loving. It’s overwhelming to address issues of poverty, education or racism. It’s scary to face serious illness or the physical and emotional hardships of old-age. It’s difficult to protect our children in this carefree and sometimes evil world.  The journey is hard, if not now, there will be moments.

The parable implies a question: if a friend would give us the bread we need at an inconvenient time, how much more will God give to those who turn to him in hunger?  This is not the testing, distant God some of us grew up with; but a friend, ready to give us the nourishment we need, and must have, so that we can feed the hungers of others we meet on the journey.

I always thought asking, seeking, knocking were kinds of guarantees. If I prayed the right prayer hard enough and long enough, what I asked for, I would get. When I sought, I would find. When I knocked, I would get quick and easy entry.  Today, I hear Jesus clearly say to us, “How much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask?”

The Holy Spirit.  Not riches, power, fame, or health.  But the Holy Spirit.

How often do we ask Jesus for the Holy Spirit?   I suspect that we don’t often ask for the Holy Spirit.  Instead, we are probably asking for a red bicycle or maybe a red Ferrari.

Jesus gives us what we need to help us get to heaven.    Jesus told his apostles that he would send the Paraclete, the Holy Spirit, when he left.  Jesus knew what they needed.  And he did send the Holy Spirit when they were gathered in the upper room at Pentecost.  This Holy Spirit changed eleven frightened men into great leaders who were willing to die to spread Christ’s message.   This was the beginning of the Church that still today is guided by the Holy Spirit. 

Jesus says God will give us the Holy Spirit. St Paul tells us the God’s love is poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit.  The Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness.  He breathes new life into difficult situations and gives us hope when we are ready to throw in the towel.  Anytime we feel a need for the Spirit -- ask, seek, knock.  As we pray for that gift, we are knocking at the door and inside is a Friend ready to give us the good bread we need.

The next time you pray the Our Father,ask for the only gift that you need, the Holy Spirit.  And the next time you receive the bread, the Eucharist, in Holy Communion, give thanks for the Holy Spirit and for the Friend who gives you exactly what you need.