The Three Imperatives

"So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." Jesus (Luke, 11:9)

Ask, seek, and knock.

These three imperatives of the recommendations of Jesus were not pronounced without a special significance.

In the entangled struggles and debts in the terrestrial experience, it is crucial that the individual learns to ask for the paths of liberation from old conventional suffocating chains, sterile preconceptions, and empty old habits. It is necessary to forcefully and decisively desire to come out of that dark brush in which the majority of individuals lose sight of the eternal interests.

Immediately thereafter, it is imperative to seek.

The procurement consists of selective efforts. The field is replete with inferior attractions, some of which are full of brilliant suggestions. It is indispensable to locate the dignified sanctifying action. Many seek dangerous mirages somewhat like that of the butterfly that becomes fascinated with the brightness of a fire. They approach from afar, and get close to the flames, which consumes the blessing of their body.

It is imperative to learn to seek out legitimate goodness.

Once the sanctifying path is established, the moment has arrived to knock on the door of edification; but, without hammering methodically and without the chisel of good will, it is extremely difficult to transform the resources of the corporeal life into luminous works of divine art, when looking ahead to spiritual happiness and eternal love.

It will matter little to pray without direction, to procure without examination, and to act without an elevated objective.

Let us plead with the Father for our liberation from primitive animalism. Let us seek the sublime spirituality and work to localize ourselves within it, in order to become converted into faithful instruments of the Divine Will.

Ask, Seek, and Knock!... This trilogy of Jesus enfolds a special significance for the students of the Gospel in all epochs.

XAVIER, Francisco Cândido. Our Daily Bread. By the Spirit Emmanuel. Spititist Alliance for Books, 2003. Chapter 109.