Daily Reflections - March 09, 2012

God ’s often mysterious Plans

 

Ignatius of Loyola was a typical soldier of his time — not very holy at all. Then he was wounded in a war, became bedridden for some time, and then converted. Young Francis of Assisi was a dandy and jolly partygoer. Then he, too, was wounded and, during a prolonged illness, reformed his life.

We ask, “Did they have to suffer first to bring them to their senses?” Obviously that was God’s plan for these two saints and for many others — us included.

Yes, God’s plans are sometimes extremely mysterious, even shocking. No wonder we often cannot understand what is happening to us, to our loved ones, to the world. How often do we ask God, “Why do you do this to me?” And with the bestselling author Philip Yancey, we may cry out what he put as title on one of his books, “Where is God when it hurts?”

When we utter these questions, God only smiles and says, “Just wait, my dear friend, you will understand later.”

Our readings today point to the same direction.

Joseph the Dreamer, spoiled by his father, was sold into slavery by his own jealous brothers. Years later, as second in command in Egypt, he finally realized that all his suffering and humiliation were necessary so that through him God would save not only countless Egyptians, but also his father and his brothers, from seven years of famine.

The owner of the vineyard suffers the death of his servants, even of his son. But that finally made him hire other tenants and to get the harvest of grapes he was entitled to. And God did not save His Son from the horrible torture of the Cross so that He may reach His grand goal: the salvation of humankind.

God’s plans often leave us in total darkness. What we need in those moments of not understanding them is a bit more faith and trust in our God who is not a sadist or tyrant but a loving Father. Fr. Rudy Horst, SVD

 

REFLECTION QUESTIONS: How do you react when you meet trials and sufferings? Do you question God’s omnipotence or do you still trust Him?

 

Lord, I have often doubted Your goodness when suffering and trials put me down. Grant me more trust in Your love and let me always see the light at the end of the tunnel.