Jesus said to the Apostles:
“Who among you would say to your servant
who has just come in from plowing or tending sheep in the field,
‘Come here immediately and take your place at table’?
Would he not rather say to him,
‘Prepare something for me to eat.
Put on your apron and wait on me while I eat and drink.
You may eat and drink when I am finished’?
Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded?
So should it be with you.
When you have done all you have been commanded, say,
‘We are unprofitable servants;
we have done what we were obliged to do.’”
Lectio (Reading)
Read the passage twice and get a sense of what it is saying. Pay attention to what strikes you.Meditatio (Reflecting)
Slowly read the passage again, pausing on words or phrases that stands out. Take time to consider the meaning. particularly in your life.Is he grateful to that servant because he did what was commanded? So should it be with you. When you have done all you have been commanded, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants; we have done what we were obliged to do.’
Oratio (Responding)
Read the passage again, slowly. Consider how God has spoken to you and respond back to Him. You may want to consider how this passage is asking you to act differently.Is God grateful when we do good and resist evil? When you read this passage it seems the answer is no! Humans were made in God’s image, we were born to do good and be good. We were made to be in communion with God…, to love and be loved. But Gods yoke is easy and His burden light. His rules are not designed to make our lives harder, no, God’s laws are made to make our lives easier, and more filled with joy. Many atheists, and those that reject God say that His laws are like a prison that keeps you from being truly you. But when you fully understand Gods will for your life, you will recognize that it is actually more like a walled garden that protects you from the wolves outside.
When we follow the will of God, our lives are easier, it is like paddling a canoe downstream, we float along with the current of the river, and we only need to use the paddle to keep our boat pointed in the right direction. On the other hand, when we follow our own will, it is like paddling upstream, everything is harder and a struggle. You are battling the current of the river, and you work 4 times as hard to make half the progress. Nevertheless, this analogy does not mean that you will not experience rapids in life and maybe even get tossed out of the boat, but living your life in God’s will always make everything easier.
God wants us to have the easier life, but that means doing His will and serving Him. But doing God’s will is not all drudgery. He delights in our joy. Everything we know, from the stars in the sky, to the food we eat, was made by God for our delight. We should never refrain from sharing our joy with Him, because He is the good father, and He loves us all as His children. Do not ever forget, that He wants the best for you always, and is hoping that you will change your life and choose Him over yourself.
Contemplatio (Contemplating)
Take time to simply remain in the presence of God.Resolutio (Resolving)
Make a resolution that will improve your life, your relationships, or your faith. Make it small and attainable, and do it.Oh lord, help me today to discern your will, and to find a way to serve you and the souls that you have put into my live amen.