One Thing Remains Constant

~~~ 2Cor. 4:7-14 ~~~Psalm 126 ~~~ Matthew 20: 20-28 ~~~

St. Paul understands our human nature so well.

He recognizes that suffer with a vast array of feelings.

We are afflicted by many things most of which are created in our heads.

Too often we get caught up with the stuff in our heads.

Our self talk is fully charged with doubt, confusion, and fear.

Paul is reminding us that we are not to be defined

by those afflictions that trouble us.

He wants us to see that in spite of all these things

one thing remains constant.

We are not abandoned for we are ...

"...always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our body.
For we who live are constantly being given up to death
for the sake of Jesus,
so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh."

If we want Jesus to be alive inside of our earthen vessel

then we must consistently die to ourselves.

We must speak to others what we have come to believe.

Paul was speaking because he believed with his whole heart.

He believed that no matter what he was feeling if he had belief

in Jesus all would be well.

Paul confidently believed "...we have the same spirit of faith...".

This internal talk focused on our afflictions must subside. 

 Paul says surrender yourself to trusting in God.

If you have these truths within your soul;

 abundant grace is being showered down upon you.

When you are permitting God to fill your earthen vessel with his grace,

this abundance thanksgiving wells up from your heart.

If we have no other words of prayer except ones of gratitude

for all that we have been given; that is sufficient.

Often in prayer I have asked for things which seem not to be granted,

you have most likely experienced this too.

In the future I will try to remember this sentence from today's gospel.

"You do not know what you are asking."
I am taking the liberty here to take this verse out of context,

but it is so true, at least for me. How many times I have asked God for things

which sem to fall on his deaf ear?

I read once that more tears are shed over answered prayers.

Try taking that to your prayer and reflection time.

Think about the opposite.

Does that mean if we allow

God to lead our lives we will in the end find more joy?

It is so hard to let God have control of our lives.

We foolishly believe that we know what is best for ourselves, but really

it is God the Father who knows what is best.

I invite you to pray that God not only provide what you truly need,

but that you can accept these things in thanksgiving.