The Will of God

Rom 11:29-36

The first reading from today's mass puts a lot of things in perspective. This reading from St. Paul to the Romans, calls us and challanges us to look at who we are and what we are called to be. The first line set the tone for the whole reading, "The gifts and the call of God are irrevocable." What a profound statement. For myself reflecting on my own ordination and the diaconate ordination that I attended this last weekend, this is a powerhouse for trust and faith in God. God has given me the gifts and graces that I need to do his will as a Deacon and future priest. He has given me what I need, not necessarily what I want or what I think I need, but the graces that I need to be a good minister. This is true of any vocation. God will give you the grace to live out your life worthy of the vocation He has chosen for you. At times, when it is hard and we are in the mud, it is difficult to see this, however, this is why we have the readings at mass. They are meant to stimulate and support us in our vocation.

Several lines later the reading continues, "Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!" The path that he has chosen for us we find out as we go. We do not get to know what lies in store for us, life is a mystery. Life is not to be spent being worried about what will come. We must live in the present and not judge God because we did not get this or that or get to go here or there. He has a plan and we must be patient and trust in the providence and love of God to take us where He wants us to go.

These are just a couple of thoughts that I had as I was hearing the first reading proclaimed this morning. May God Bless all that we do today.
Deacon Arthur Nave Jr