For three consecutive weeks now, we have read the Gospel of Luke in exact sequence. It is important to keep the context before us to interpret the meaning correctly.

Two weeks ago, we heard Jesus’ parable which concluded with His clear instruction that we are to go and do like the Good Samaritan.

Last week, we listened to the wonderful account of Jesus visiting Martha and Mary. Jesus explained that we need to be both Martha, who resembles the Good Samaritan in her offering of radical hospitality, and Mary, who listens expectantly to Jesus’ words because they are spoken personally to her [and us].

Most recently at Sunday Mass, Jesus’ teaching on prayer was proclaimed and we learned that not only must we hear God’s Word, but we must also connect with God in prayer.

The disciples see Jesus praying. This is not a one-off moment, but an activity that Jesus does regularly. It is obvious how important and meaningful prayer is to Jesus.

Jesus teaches his disciples – that’s us – to turn to God as a father, just as he does. We pray by first daring to ask God’s Name to be holy and to live within His Kingdom.

How much of our lives, however, are spent anxiously seeking to advance our own name and frantically setting out to build our own kingdoms? Only in God’s Kingdom will we receive needed daily support – bread. While such might be actual food, it transcends worldly delights as a genuine source of nourishment that is far greater than the world ever can generate. Such divinely provided nourishment – grace – enables our sins to be forgiven and empowers us to be able to forgive others offences done unto us.

Finally, a perfectly loving Father only asks for the best to be given. Our heavenly Father has no desire to put us to the test and never expects more than we are able. Our best always recognizes God’s Kingdom as the source of our nourishment, the place of forgiveness and that whenever we fail – and we will – God will test us no further and come to us as a merciful Father.