Today I reflect on the second reading from Hebrews and the invitation the Lord presents to us. Our Lord came as the ultimate sacrifice. He came as a blameless, spotless victim who offered his life out of love and for our salvation. From the very moment God breathed his breath into man, He prepared and intended for humanity to be uniquely interwoven and united with Him. We come from, are established, and exist, because the Father wanted to share His divine gift of Himself with us. Just as Abraham cherished his son Isaac and willingly prepared to fully offer his son to God, God does the same in the New Testament. Jesus, uniquely formed by God, who is God, fully offered Himself at the incarnation and crucifixion.
Stirring
“A body you prepared for me… I come to do your will, O God.”
This scripture from Hebrews stirs questions in me. “What has God really prepared me for besides the sacramental life and to love the people I encounter and what divine plan has the Lord fashioned and entrusted to me?” Over the summer, I read Uniformity with God’s Will. I highly recommend this short read by Alphonsus Ligori. Ligori prompts the reader to pray unceasingly by “will[ing] unreservedly what God wills. [And remembering] whatever happens to me, sweet or bitter, I gladly receive from His hands as what is best for me.”
Ligori later goes on to state, “’Thy will be done.’ Let us repeat it time and time again and it will please God more than all our mortifications and devotions. There is no better way to serve God than cheerfully to embrace his holy will.” I want to believe that the more we turn our minds to God, the more our hearts are ravished and lives transformed. I prepare myself for this unceasing communion by little prayers throughout the day and reflecting on the life of Christ.
And, I feel grateful to say the little prayers the Lord places on my mind. I know that in some circumstances, I might be the only one in my work environment who is lifting their heart to God. “‘How does this happen to me,’ the Lord has come and revealed Himself to me so that I may pray and praise Him. Lord, thank you for this particular moment in which you have placed me. And, for the opportunity to pray for your presence, healing, and outpouring of love on these people.”
Visitation
Lastly, we see in the account of the Visitation which follows in the Gospel. Mary was obedient to the promptings given by the angel Gabriel. We must do the very same- to act urgently to the promptings of the Holy Spirit. When we discern that these promptings are inherently good and feasible then we, as Ligori says, embrace the will that the Lord has proposed to us.
Lizzie
I consider my self fortunate to receive your writing and wisdom relative to living a life filled with a true love of Jesus and his Scared Heart
You truly are an inspiration and I envy your focus and dedication to our Lord