Midweek Musing/Day 22 of Lent: March 26, 2025

Ashes to Alleluia: A Devotional on Luke 11:11–13

Scripture:

“What father among you, if your child asks for a fish, will give a snake instead of a fish? Or if the child asks for an egg, will give a scorpion? If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”— Luke 11:11–13

Reflection:

Lent is a season of walking through the ashes—the ashes of repentance, the ashes of grief, the ashes of longing. It is a time when we remember our mortality and bring our needs before God with open hands and aching hearts.

And yet, even here, even in the wilderness, Jesus reminds us of the heart of God. Not distant. Not indifferent. Not withholding. But generous. Present. Overflowing with compassion.

Like a mother who will not forsake her nursing child, God loves us still and always. Like a parent who rushes to meet their child's need, God hears our prayers—not only with attentiveness but with tenderness. God will not give us stones when we hunger for bread. God will not give us despair when we cry for hope.

There may be seasons where it feels like the scorpion has come instead of the egg. There may be prayers we offer that seem to hang in silence. But even then, Jesus assures us: How much more will your heavenly Parent give the Holy Spirit to those who ask?

And the Spirit is enough. The Spirit is the alleluia we need in the waiting. The Comforter who whispers that joy is not gone, only growing. The Advocate who reminds us we are not forgotten but beloved. The Holy Spirit is the assurance that God is already answering—with grace, with presence, and in due time, with Alleluia.

Prayer:

God of steadfast love,In the midst of our ashes, remind us of your goodness.When we hunger for hope, feed us with your presence.When we cry out for mercy, fill us with your Spirit. You are the giver of good gifts.Even when we do not understand the waiting,we trust that you know our needs and hold us close—like a mother who will never forget her child.Lead us through this Lenten journeyfrom ashes to alleluia.Amen.