GOD’S WILL
Understanding God’s will and aligning ourselves with it is the cornerstone of Christian life. The Holy Bible, along with the rich tradition of the Church, guides us on this journey.
Seeking God with Humility:
Scripture is replete with examples of those who sought God’s will with a humble heart. King David, a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), constantly turned to the Lord in prayer, seeking guidance and forgiveness (Ps 51:10-12). Similarly, the prophet Isaiah responded to God’s call with a resounding, “Here am I, Lord. Send me!” (Isa 6:8). These men, though flawed, recognized their dependence on God’s wisdom.
Mary’s Perfect Example:
The Blessed Virgin Mary embodies the ideal response to God’s will. In the beautiful passage of the Magnificat (Lk 1:46-55), Mary acknowledges her lowliness and sings praises for God’s mercy in lifting up the humble. Her ultimate act of surrender is expressed in her “fiat” – “be it done unto me according to your word” (Lk 1:38) – a testament to her complete trust in God’s plan, even when it meant carrying the Son of God.
Christ, the Model of Obedience:
Jesus Christ stands as the ultimate example of one who perfectly submitted to the Father’s will. Throughout His ministry, He proclaimed, “My food is to do the will of the one who sent me and to finish his work” (Jn 4:34). This culminated in the ultimate act of obedience – His sacrifice on the cross (Phil 2:8). In Gethsemane, despite His human fear, Jesus surrendered to the Father’s will, praying, “yet not my will, but yours be done” (Lk 22:42).
Living in God’s Will
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us, “There is no other way of Christian prayer than Christ” (CCC 2664). We approach God through Jesus, His teachings, and the Church He established. Discerning God’s will requires:
– Prayer and Scripture Study: Regularly communing with God in prayer and reading His Word allows Him to speak to our hearts and guide us.
– The Church’s Guidance: The Church, guided by the Holy Spirit, offers us the teachings of Christ and the Sacraments to nourish our faith and illuminate our path. Spiritual direction from a priest or trusted spiritual advisor can further aid in discerning God’s will.
– Service and Sacrifice: Living God’s will often involves following Christ’s call to love and serve others. Opportunities for service can be found in our families, parishes, and communities.
– Faithful Perseverance: Life’s challenges are inevitable. By trusting in God’s providence and facing difficulties with faith, we can grow closer to Him.
– Detachment from Worldly Desires: Letting go of earthly attachments that may conflict with God’s plan allows us to surrender fully to His will.
REFLECTION
As we pray the Our Father and say, “Thy will be done,” let us remember the liberating truth: true freedom lies not in self-will but in aligning ourselves with God’s loving plan. Following the examples of the saints and the Blessed Mother, may we find the courage and grace to completely surrender to God’s will, trusting in His infinite wisdom and love for us.
As Christians, we are called to live in accordance with God’s will, which is a path to true freedom and fulfillment. By seeking God with humility, following Mary’s perfect example, and modeling our lives after Christ’s obedience, we can align ourselves with His divine plan. Let us immerse ourselves in prayer, seek guidance from the Church, and dedicate ourselves to service and sacrifice. In doing so, we open our hearts to God’s transformative love, allowing His will to be done in our lives. May we always trust in His wisdom and love, finding joy and peace in the journey of faith.