Commit your life to the Lord, and He will help you

Readings for Wednesday February 24, 2009

First Reading:  Sirach 2:1-11

Responsorial Psalm:  Psalm 37

Gospel:  Mark 9:30-37

"Wait on God, with patience, cling to him, forsake him not;
thus will you be wise in all your ways.
Accept whatever befalls you,
when sorrowful, be steadfast,
and in crushing misfortune be patient;
For in fire gold and silver are tested,
and worthy people in the crucible of humiliation.
Trust God and God will help you;
trust in him, and he will direct your way;"  (Sir 2:3-6)

This passage from Sirach should really speak to us in these difficult times.  It seems today that we all have some reason or another to worry or to lose faith.  Tough economic times are hurting businesses and organizations everywhere, the unemployment rate seems to be rising higher and higher.  With companies forced to make drastic cuts to stay afloat, layoffs and downsizing seem to be hitting people and families nationwide.  Many people are out looking for jobs with no success.  The new administration brings in a very liberal ideology which threatens life and the dignity of the human person.  It is in troubling times such as these that we are naturally inclined to lose trust and hope and to simply worry much about all that is happening.  But for those who have faith, there should be no reason for anxiety at all, but only an opportunity to open ourselves up to God's mercy and to trust in Him even more.  

The above passage speaks of gold and silver tested in fire.  It is a funny thing about metals such as these; when they are first mined, they look like nothing but a hunk of rock with a few shiny pieces.  But after the ore is put through the fire and pressure, then it comes out better than it went in.  It is now purified, and only the precious metal is left.  We too are put through many fires and much pressure during our lives, it is in these times that we must trust in the Lord, and accept His will for us.  While these times may bring great stress and anxiety, we must remember that God's plan for us is perfect and that there is a reason for the fire.  Like the ore that goes through the fire, we too will come out better than when we went in, if we are willing to trust and cling to the Lord. 

Let us remember the words of the Psalmist:  "Commit your life to the Lord, and He will help you."  

Father above we thank you for the gift of this day.  Lord, help us to follow you without reserve and to serve you with all our heart, soul, mind and strength.  Lord, we know your will is perfect and we trust you with our lives.  Lord, thank you for all the gifts and blessings that you freely give to us, but most of all thank you for your love and mercy in our lives.  Amen.