Wednesday 17^th December

Reflection: Genesis 49: 2, 8-10

GOD: THE MASTER PLANNER

When we take a look at the world around us: the rhythm of day and night, sun and moon, seasons of the year and so on, we marvel at the order of creation. Indeed even the Atheist knows deep down in his heart that there is some great “force” beyond the power of man that holds the universe in order. As Christians, we are in a better position than the Atheist. We are privileged not only to know that God is the creator and master of the universe but also to belong to Him, not merely as creatures but as beloved children through Jesus Christ our Lord. We have an eternal Father who not only orders the universe but is also the master planner for our very lives.

Today’s reading takes us back to the blessing of Jacob on his children several centuries before the birth of Christ. Prophetically, Jacob spoke of his son Judah: “…the sceptre shall not pass from Judah nor the mace from between his feet until he comes to whom it belongs, to whom the people shall render obedience” (Genesis 49:10). This blessing indicated that Judah was to rule over his brothers and from him was to come an eternal king, one who is to rule the nations. This prophecy reached its ultimate fulfilment in Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah who was of the house of David (Apocalypse 5:5). Christ was born several centuries after this prophecy was made. Today’s gospel reading recounts 52 generations from Abraham to Jesus. Indeed, Christ was born in the fullness of time; a time predetermined by the perfect plan of God, our Father.

Beloved, God has a perfect plan for you and me, his children. He knows where we are right now and where we will be tomorrow. As young people, we look to the future with great hope and aspirations. Yet our lives can only make meaning if we submit ourselves to the Master planner and seek His plans and purpose for us. We can only find fulfilment in aligning ourselves to our loving Father who knows exactly what is best for us. Let us make a habit of spending time in silence with our Father, submitting our hopes, dreams and aspirations to Him and seeking His divine will for us.

PRAYER: Thank you Lord for the privilege of being your beloved child. I submit myself to You; please help me to bend to your will. Let your purpose for my life be accomplished. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 49 – Does God guide the world and my life?

Yes, but in a mysterious way; God guides everything along paths that only he knows, leading it to its perfection. At no point in time does something that he has created fall out of his hands.

God influences both the great events of history and also the little events of our personal life, without reducing our freedom or making us mere marionettes in his eternal plans. In God “we live and move and have our being” (Acts 17:28).

 HIDE A TREASURE: “For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plan for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 RSV-CE

Readings for Today: Genesis 49: 2, 8-10; Psalm 72: 1-4, 7-8, 17; Matthew 1: 1-17