Without Grumbling or Questioning

Readings for Wednesday November 3, 2010

First Reading: Philippians 2:12-18
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 27
Gospel: Luke 14:25-33


Let's face it, life is hard, and there are so many different types of situations that are hard for us to understand as Christians. We have a hard time figuring out how all the joys and pains of life are a part of God's plan. I know that I feel this way at times, but I have learned to trust God, no matter how difficult things may be. I have also found a lot of comfort, and gained valuable perspective from today's reading. In today's gospel Jesus talks of how everything in this world must come second to God, even our own family! To be a follower of Jesus we are asked to take up our crosses and follow Him where ever He leads. I have no doubts that throughout the years ahead we are going to be asked to carry many more crosses for our Saviour; and even though we may not always understand, we need to learn to just trust without questioning. Let us look to carry any such hardships and challenges for the glory of our Lord. Christ carried a cross of great magnitude, all for love of us. May we pick up any and all crosses that we are called to, for love of Him.

Today, let us reflect on some of today's words of Saint Paul to the Philippians:

For God is the one who, for his good purpose,
works in you both to desire and to work.
Do everything without grumbling or questioning,
that you may be blameless and innocent,
children of God without blemish
in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation,
among whom you shine like lights in the world,
as you hold on to the word of life,
so that my boast for the day of Christ may be
that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. (Phil. 2:13-16)

Lord God, we thank you for the gift of this day. Lord help us to put all of our trust into you and your plan for our lives, the lives of others, our nation, and our world. Lord God, be with all our elected leaders this day, may they come to follow you and your will. Lord, we pray for your forgiveness for any judgement that we have thought. Lord, increase our faith, hope, and love of you and of others. We ask this all as humble servants of Christ. Amen.