3. A Story from Msgr. James Watkins on Prom 40 Years Ago and Being Persistent with the Father - 17th Sunday in Ordinary Time

Msgr. James Watkins tells a story of his childhood: Forty years ago, he asked a girl to his senior prom. He needed money in order to go. Watkins had to be persistent with his father in asking for help, much like we should do with our Father in heaven. This would be his only prom. This Sunday's Gospel from Luke 11 reads: "And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. What father among you would hand his son a snake when he asks for a fish? Or hand him a scorpion when he asks for an egg? If you then, who are wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him?"