The Readings and Gospel for today could go in many directions, but it seems that the theme I am hearing the most from many sources including the Deacon that I happen to be married to is” What is the will of God?” And how do I follow it?
How do we follow it, how do we know it and do we even desire it at all?As I ponder these questions myself I remember the wisdom of St. Ignatius of Loyola. When discerning we must decide if we are in a good place to make a decision, in other words are we in a state of grace and moving closer to God and not away from God. Are the decisions between two good things?What advice we would give to a friend making this decision? If I was on my death bed pondering the decision I have to make ,would I still be happy with my Yes or No to God’s will. What if I am at my final judgement before the throne of God, would I still be happy with how I followed God’s will?
Of course spending time with God’s words in scripture, church teachings, and “Knowing” that I am “Loved” child of God is foundational to following God’s will and recognizing God’s call to me. I also must believe that if it is God’s will and call He will also give me the graces and strength to follow it and He will send me good guides and friends on Earth to help hear it. Yes, God’s sends earthly messengers to us, God with skin I call them, they may be in a checkout line at Walmart, or your friend in the pew at Church, you never know where He will encounter you in your day.
As I listened to the many sources this morning that support me in my relationship to the Father , two things stayed with me. The first is a quote from the Venerable Fulton J. Sheen that my husband quoted in ending his Homily this morning:” You will never be happy if your happiness depends on getting solely what you want. Will what God wills and your Joy no man shall take from you.” And the second was From Father Paul’s homily I listened to livestream from St. George Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, “The will of God is the only way to Holiness and Holiness is the only way to Heaven.”
So now the questions for you and I to ponder, consider and pray with today. Am I willing to trust in God’s grace and God’s will to follow in His plan ? Do I know in the deepest caverns of my heart and soul, that God loves me and desires what is only for my Good. Perhaps today spend some time thinking about the choices you will make , how will spend your time, talent and treasure and is that your will or God’s will?
It all sounds so good and so easy on paper it is not so easy to carry out or to even hear or recognize, because the noise of an unholy spirit or the world blocks out the Good and Holy voice of our Creator, but trust God is greater and He has the final word. So today I pray that we together may come to know His will this day and everyday until we meet Him face to face.
Mother Mary intercede for us, Jesus save us, God Love us. Amen