As Saint Paul reminds the Galatians, it is through faith that we receive the Spirt, while in relation to today’s gospel, faith assures us that if we ask we will receive, and if we knock the door will be opened. In a somewhat paradoxical fashion, faith is also what we exercise in asking for a deeper faith—for without faith we would be unlikely to pray for its deepening. And this is because faith is not simply either there, or not there; rather it admits of degrees, ranging from a vague and barely discernible faith, to a faith that moves mountains and empowers one to lay down one’s life in witness to Christ. Furthermore, faith is seldom, if ever, static, and when not exercised risks growing weaker—a sobering reminder that faith can be lost. Thus, in something of a cyclical manner, one of the ways we exercise faith is precisely in praying for its preservation and deepening. This is one prayer that Jesus will never deny. For, if we who are wicked know how to give good gifts to [our] children, how much more will the Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him—the same Spirit who grants us the precious gift of Faith.