In our lives, there exists a thread woven with delicate precision - the will of God. It is a divine plan, meticulously crafted for each of us, a path uniquely designed to lead us to our ultimate purpose. To discern and follow this path is our sacred duty as Catholics, for it is in embracing God's will that we find true fulfillment and peace.
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus implores us to pray, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” These words echo through the ages, reminding us of the profound importance of aligning our desires with God’s purpose for us. This prayer calls us to surrender our own ambitions, fears, and doubts, and open our hearts to the divine plan that unfolds before us.
Embracing God's will is not a passive surrender, but an active, trusting response. It requires a deepening of our faith, a relinquishing of our need for control, and a courageous step into the unknown. It beckons us to relinquish the illusion of self-sufficiency and to rely wholly on the wisdom and providence of our Heavenly Father.
In our pursuit of God’s will, we must turn to scripture for guidance. The Word of God is a wellspring of wisdom, offering narratives of those who walked before us, exemplifying unwavering faith in the face of uncertainty. Abraham, called to leave his homeland; Mary, chosen to bear the Son of God; and countless others, their stories etched in the annals of salvation history, serve as beacons of inspiration.
To discern God's will, we must also cultivate a life of prayer. Through fervent communion with the Divine, we create a sacred space where His voice can be heard above the noise of the world. Prayer is our lifeline to God, a channel through which He imparts His guidance, wisdom, and peace, illuminating the path that He has set before us.
Yet, discerning God’s will is not always straightforward. It demands patience, humility, and an openness to correction. It requires that we be attuned to the promptings of the Holy Spirit, recognizing that God’s ways may not always align with our own preconceived notions.
In embracing God’s will, we may encounter challenges and trials, for the path laid before us is not always smooth. Yet, it is in these moments of adversity that our faith is tested and refined. We must remember that God’s will is not always synonymous with worldly success or comfort, but it unfailingly leads to our ultimate flourishing, both in this life and in the life to come.
As we embark on this journey of embracing God’s will, let us do so with hearts wide open, minds receptive to His wisdom, and spirits fortified by the promise of His unending love. Let us trust that in surrendering to His divine plan, we find the truest expression of our purpose, our identity, and our eternal destiny. Amen?
Blessings,
Deacon Mike