Friday 14th August – Memorial of St Maximilian Kolbe, Priest & Martyr

Reflection: Joshua 24: 1-13

RECOGNISING GOD’S HAND

Our day to day life presents us with pleasant and unpleasant circumstances alike. Some seasons of our lives bring us joy and fulfilment while others can leave us disillusioned and frustrated. Yet, we have the tendency to take the glory for the pleasant seasons and blame other people, our environment or even God for the unpleasant ones.

As Joshua neared the end of his time as leader of Israel, he reminded them in today’s first reading of the wondrous works God had worked amongst them and their fathers over the years. Why did he remind them of these? He did this because the people had a habit of forgetting all God’s miraculous works each time they encountered difficulty. This forgetfulness led them to complain against God and their leaders several times during their exodus – before the crossing of the Red Sea, when they were thirsty, when they craved for meat, at the verge of entering the Promised Land etc.

Dear friend, we are often just as guilty as the Israelites, failing to recognize God’s hand at work in our lives and forgetting so quickly the many ways He cares for us, provides for us and saves us from evil. As long as we attribute our successes to ourselves, we will be unable to trust God with our lives. On the contrary, when we recognize His mighty deeds around us, we will grow in faith and true commitment to God. Thank God today for the many blessings you have received from Him and trust Him to take care of the difficult situations you encounter.

PRAYER: Thank you dear Lord for the many blessings you have showered on me. Please help me to recognize your hand at work in my life and trust you in difficult situations. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 488 – Why should we thank God?

Everything that we are and have comes from God. Paul says, “What have you that you did not receive?” (1 Cor 4:7). Being grateful to God, the giver of all good things makes you happy.

HIDE A TREASURE: “Bless the Lord oh my soul, and forget not all His benefits” Psalm 103:2 RSV-CE

Today’s Readings: Joshua 24: 1-13; Psalm 135: 1-3.16-18.21-24; Matthew 19: 3-12