What's the Catch?
Ask, and it will be given to you; search, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened for you "There must be a catch." Of course there is. Do you think God, the universe, whatever, is going to give you what you want, when and how you order it, like a home delivery? Is God a pizza boy? No, of course not. You're thinking, "If I get what I ask for I will be a really happy person and then it will be easy to be generous and nice to others. Material and emotional security, good health, and a nice home in which to enjoy it all. I could do so much good in the world if I had that." Well, it’s not impossible you will get that—even for a few decades if you’re lucky. But you know you asked, “Is there a catch?” Yes. Here it is: Whatever you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. "Now? Even before I get the delivery?" You said it.
—from the book Sensing God: Learning to Meditate during Lent by Laurence Freeman, OSB