The Holy Martyr Thaleleus (283-84)
Acts 25:13-19; John 16:23-33
Read John 16:23-33
In today’s instruction on prayer, we are told to ask the Father for what we need and to do so in the name of Jesus Christ. This instruction is profound for two reasons. First, because we are emboldened to address God in petition as Father. This was unthinkable for the Jew as it is much too presumptuous. Who can address the eternal one in such an intimate way? Moses could not even look upon the glory of God directly for it was too much for him to handle (Exodus 33:18-). No one can unless we do so in and through the person of Jesus Christ who is the Father’s only begotten Son. We are quick to forget that the Son of God is the one who brings us into a relationship with God. Through our union with Jesus, we become adopted “sons… according to the purpose of his will…” (Ephesians 1:5). The Father takes what belongs to the Son and declares it to us (John 15:15). That which is the most precious, fulfilling, and joy-inspiring is this intimate filial relationship of the Father and the Son. We participate in it only through Jesus Christ. Words do not suffice to describe the magnitude of this privileged gift.
The second is that God wants us to ask of Him in prayer, but what should we ask for? The Lord is not only saying that we ought to ask the Father, but he adds that we ought to ask for that which brings us ultimate joy. God desires that our joy may be full “that you may be permanently satisfied, not just so as to enjoy yourself for a time. Ask for what can satisfy you.” (St. Augustine, WSA 3 4:4441). Nothing leads us to the fullness of joy excepts that which helps us to become more God-like, more virtuous, more loving, and opens to us the gates of eternal life. This is what we ought to ask for.