Saturday 11th July – St. Benedict, ABB (memorial)

TRUSTING GOD’S DESIGN

Genesis 49: 29-33, 50: 15-26

Are there times you have subjected yourself to discomfort because you were aiming at a particular goal? You may have denied yourself a good meal before a sporting event so as to be able to perform well or as a student, you denied yourself the pleasure of extra sleep and play time so as to study effectively and ace your test. You would notice that in those situations, you did not complain about the discomfort because you knew the benefit it would bring in the end.

Beloved, do you trust that the uncomfortable events in your life too are part of God’s design to make you whom He wants you to be? When Joseph was sold into slavery by his brothers, he may have complained about their wickedness and about the suffering he underwent as a slave and then a prisoner in Egypt. Yet, in today’s reading he could look back at his experience and tell his brothers: “the evil you planned to do me has by God’s design been turned to good…” (Gen 50:20).

Our human minds cannot see beyond the present and we are tempted to complain about our circumstances. Yet, God calls us to trust in His design for our lives. He has a good plan for each of us and permits certain uncomfortable events to shape us so we can fulfil His beautiful purpose. In the midst of his suffering, Joseph lived in obedience to God and God’s blessing was upon him. Like Joseph, set your mind on pleasing God; let each day of your life be lived in obedience to Him and He will lead you ultimately to the fulfilment of His promises.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, I trust in your perfect plan for me. Please help me to see your hand at work even in the unpleasant circumstances of life and to please you always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 51 – If God is all-knowing and all-powerful, why does he not prevent evil?

“God allows evil only so as to make something better result from it” (St. Thomas Aquinas).

HIDE A TREASURE: “We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose” Romans 8:28 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Gen 49: 29-33, 50: 15-26; Psalm 105: 1-7; Mt 10:24-33