Your works, O Lord, are justice and truth. — Psalm 111:7 

Mass readings: 2 Corinthians 11:1-11 / Matthew 6:7-15 

Needs and Wants 

We read in today’s Gospel that “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” If you’ve been a father, or a mother, this passage might make you smile. We often know what our children need before they ask. We also know that many of the things children ask for are not what they need. And we’ve learned that for a parent to suggest what a child needs before he or she asks for it can be interpersonally hazardous. 

Our Father in heaven wants us to have what we need, but He also wants us to understand what we truly need — as opposed to what we merely want. When we bring our true needs before Him in prayer, He will always respond with generosity and love. 

Prayer: Father, I trust You always to provide what I need to live as You wish.