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Wednesday, April 3, 2019
"I can do nothing on my own.
As I hear, I judge; and my judgment is just,
because I seek to do not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
John 5:30 (NRSV)
These are Jesus’ words to the Jews who were taking him to task for curing the man by the pool at Bethesada. Jesus tells us that He does the will of the Father and does nothing on His own. Brother Lawrence encourages us to follow Jesus’ example here when he says: “That we ought to give ourselves up to God, with regard both to things temporal and spiritual, and seek our satisfaction only in the fulfilling of His will, whether He lead us by suffering or consolation, for all would be equal to a soul truly resigned.”
In a time of suffering, Jesus prays in the Garden of Gethsemane, 'Father,' he said, 'if you are willing, take this cup away from me. Nevertheless, let your will be done, not mine.' While none of us will likely face the sort of suffering that Jesus is speaking about when he asks his Father in heaven to take this cup away, we all face “cups” filled with suffering in our lives. Do we pray as Jesus prays when we do?
Brother Lawrence states, “ That all things are possible to him who believes, that they are less difficult to him who hopes, they are more easy to him who loves, and still more easy to him who perseveres in the practice of these three virtues.” Life is messy and we have trials and tribulations. When we love the Trinitarian God, believe in a loving Father, and have hope that God has our back, we endure the sufferings with a different outlook. Jesus modeled total trust in His Father throughout his public ministry, and he did so to give us an example of how we are to trust in our Father in heaven. Are we able to say, “ Thy will be done?”
A friend makes it a habit whenever something has happened and that they aren’t particularly pleased about it, to say, “ I can’t wait to see what God does with this.” Each day we have choices for God or against God, and each of these choices is a chance to do and accept God’s will. Today, reflect on your life; consider the times when you have followed and strayed from God’s will. Write in your journal the trials and tribulations in your life. Did you respond with faith, hope and love? Look for ways to follow God’s will today and create ‘holy moments’. (Holy moments: do what one prayerfully believes God is calling one to do in that moment.)
Lenten Action: If you are a regular practitioner of Contemplative prayer spend your normal time in such prayer.
If you are new to spending time in silent prayer, sit comfortably in a quiet place, and ask God to be with you and help you silence your thoughts. Remain at peace and let go of any intruding wayward thoughts bringing yourself back to the quiet Presence of God in you.
Today is not a Fast day, but if you have a mind to abstain from a favorite food or drink, please do so as a means of strengthening your will power. Remember not to watch TV, or use your computer or your phone to access social media, computer games, or other unnecessary apps.