Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Our disposition - surrender or manipulation?

WORD 2day: 6th day in Christmas Octave

December 30, 2020: 1 John 2: 12-17; Luke 2: 36-40

'World' or 'things of the world' as opposed to the love of the Father: by now it is considered an outdated way of thinking. Indeed, the dichotomy that is involved and implied is a bit old fashioned but the difference between the two choices, is real and concrete. Even our prayer for example could have within itself a hidden sense of excessive importance to the world and the things of the world instead of our love for God our Father and Mother.

There was a last minute preparation going on for a mega event, while unfortunately the forecast was for a likely cyclone showers! Immediately a group got down to pray and say, 'please stop the rain'! Praying, here is something wonderful, but a subtle point to be noted here is: how prepared are we to accept the will of God in things that we have planned; instead of asking the Lord to adjust to our designs? 

Whoever does the will of God remains for ever, reminds St. John in his epistle today (v.17). Prophetess Anna, or even Prophet Simeon for that matter, waited for years together, in relentless patience towards the will of God. The people of Israel waited for Godàs promised redemption...but were unable to behold it, when it came - may be because they were more preoccupied with what they wanted, than with what was within Godàs plan. 

Can we really abandon ourselves to the will of God: a surrender so beautifully symbolised by the Divine Kid in the manger these days! The year is running the final bit of its last lap...can we make an examination of conscience today? What is our disposition: surrender or manipulation?