Reflection on Readings: Don't Give Up on Us ... Habang May Buhay (While There is Life) - Part II, Updated

(My sister was kind enough to tell me the 3rd classification - God, the 7-11, from Fr. Assistant-Parish-Priest. I considered just leaving it be, but it's pretty relevant ... so, now, there are 4 types: 3 from the priest and 1 innovative type from me - which I dub, God, the Judge) 

The assistant parish priest in our parish gave a well-prepared (and entertaining) homily last Sunday, which rounded up the readings quite well.  It's not rocket science.  It may not even be entirely new.  But definitely worth brushing up on and a good reminder for most of us.

Fr. Assistant-Parish-Priest (boo me for not knowing his name!) classified our view of the God we pray to into 3 types and I've added 1 more:
(DISCLAIMER:  I didn't get to take down notes, so will explain the concepts in my own way.  For those who were at the same Mass, don't kill me for not getting it 100% perfect ... but shall do my best and add in my own flavors)

1. God, the Waiter.  We come to Him in prayer with a litany of things we want from Him, expecting Him to serve everything we ask for in a silver platter.  And, when He doesn't give us exactly what we want when we want them, we complain, "God is not answering my prayer!"  My dear, He answers all prayers.  It's just that not all are "Yes" - because not everything we want is good for us (one of my "wise" mommy lines); some are "No" because He is saving you from a disaster or He has something better in store (something so much better you didn't even think to add it into your list); some are "Not now" because there is a time for everything and He is waiting for "favorable conditions", so that, when He finally gives it to you, you are ready and are able to receive it in its fullness.
2. God, the ATM.  We expect that if we "deposit" a lot of good works, then we can make "withdrawals" anytime, anywhere for absolutely anything.  We feel entitled, that we grumble like a brat whenever God doesn't grant us our wishes. We throw back at Him our good deeds, expecting something in return.  God's graces are not rewards nor are they bought.  Grace comes from the Latin "gratis", which means it's "free"!  The graces and blessings He pours on us are given because they are exactly what we need, not deserve.  If God uses the currency of "what-you-deserve" on us, we won't get anything.
3. God, the 7-11.  Much like our trips to 7-11, we don't go to God as often --- only when we are desperate.  He is our last resort.  When all our tactics don't pan out, when we've knocked on too many doors that won't open to us --- that's the only time we go to God for help.  But that should not be the case.  He should be our go-to guy.  If only we'd "seek Him first" before everything else, then we would save ourselves so much time going through all the wrong turns and reworking the wrong solutions. Going to Him first (whether for help or consultation) is the most efficient strategy ... because it increases our chances of getting it right the first time.
4. God, the Judge.  Sometimes we feel that, when God doesn't grant us our prayers, He is punishing us for not being good.  Contrary to popular belief, God does not keep a record of wrongs.  What for?  When He already died for us? Our sins have their consequences /repercussions and accompanying guilt, which are (trust me) punishment enough.  Those do not come from God.  Those are effects of our actions. He is not exacting, but encouraging, "Get up, brush yourself off and try again."  So, don't give up on yourself ... and on others.  Afterall, we are all works-in-progress, each in our own journey towards the God-envisioned versions of ourselves.    

2nd Reading
Colossians 2:12-14
"Brothers and sisters: You were buried with him in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the power of God, who raised him from the dead. And even when you were dead in transgressions and the uncircumcision of your flesh, he brought you to life along with him, having forgiven us all our transgressions; obliterating the bond against us, with its legal claims, which was opposed to us, he also removed it from our midst, nailing it to the cross."

So ... how should we pray?

Just ask ... again and again and again ... persistently.  So long as it's not detrimental for you or anyone else (i.e.  "Please let one of the 1st class passengers miss the flight, so that I get bumped up" - Tsk, tsk, tsk! Shame on you!), God will grant it.

Gospel
Luke 11:1-13
"And I tell you, ask and you will receive; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks, receives; and the one who seeks, finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."

1st Reading
Genesis 18:20-32
"But he still persisted: “Please, let not my Lord grow angry if I speak up this last time. What if there are at least ten there?” He replied, “For the sake of those ten, I will not destroy it.”

Ask like a child, asking his/her Father ... hopeful and with unwavering faith.

GOSPEL ACCLAMATION
"You have received a Spirit of adoption, through which we cry, Abba, Father."

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8
R: Lord, on the day I called for help, you answered me.

Ask within the right parameters ... always in line with God's will.

Gospel
Luke 11:1-13
"He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, [your will be done].'

And ask with a grateful heart ... whatever the answer is.  Because whatever it is, it's best.

Responsorial Psalm
Psalm 138:1-2, 2-3, 6-7, 7-8
 "I will give thanks to you, O Lord, with all my heart, for you have heard the words of my mouth; in the presence of the angels I will sing your praise;  I will worship at your holy temple and give thanks to your name. Because of your kindness and your truth; for you have made great above all things your name and your promise. When I called you answered me;"