Wednesday of the Fourth Week

Reflection

I think we sometimes forget who God really is, or at the very least, what He is not. God is not Santa Claus or the Easter Bunny; He is not the tooth fairy, a genie, or a wizard. He does not bring presents or money, nor does He grant wishes. Sometimes we feel that God should — that we have been suffering and these boons would ease our pain and are well earned, but God doesn’t work like that. There are times when we feel we are driven to the steep cliff and rocky heights of a desolate mountain in a secular desert and scream and curse into the starry black abyss that God is a cruel hoax. And then we often fall. Many fall into disillusionment and self-gratification. We can sell ourselves lies about how our own happiness is the only thing we must strive for.  When we have fallen and hit rock bottom, we have the time to look back up to the stars and see the sun’s new ascent.  Jesus reminds us in today’s Gospel that He never acted in accord with His own will, but was fully obedient to the will of the Father. As Christians, we are called to be like Christ and make our lives humble sacrifices to God’s glory. That is not to say that everyone needs to be a martyr, nor that everyone needs to join a holy order, but that we act as though we are the living Christ because we are the living Christ. We cannot live a meaningful life if we act for ourselves first; we are taught the Our Father so we might learn to pray, and in that prayer we ask that “Thy will be done,” not “My will be done.” When we pray, it should be for grace in the moment, healing of others, peace for others, and that God’s will be done; after all, He has a better view of the situation.

Prayer

Lord of love and mercy, in my darkness, You have brought great light.  In my pain, You have brought me comfort, hope in my despair, faith in my doubt, and friendship amidst hatred. Pray, let all I meet know the warmth and peace of your love, if it is in accordance with Your will. Thank you Lord. Amen.

 

Shawn Ward, ‘15

 

Scripture

First Reading: Isaiah 49:8-15

Psalm 145:8-9, 13cd-14, 17-18

Gospel: John 5:17-30

 

 Daily Scripture readings can be found online at the USCCB website