“WWJD?” “What would Jesus do?” This question brings to mind the parable in this coming Sunday’s gospel in Matthew 21: 28-32 – the parable of the two sons. In this story, Jesus contrasts the first son, who initially refuses the request of his father to work in the vineyard but then thinks about it and obeys that request, with the second son, who initially says yes to the request but disobeys his father in the end.
It would be nice to have instant acceptance of things in our lives that we find difficult. Whether it is a situation like that of this father or making a choice to do what we believe is right in the face of criticism and opposition from others, we would like to be able to move into immediate acceptance. But often the process of discerning and accepting the will of God takes some time and involves a bit of struggle. It is truly a process. But if we are open to the grace of God in our lives…if we bring our concerns and struggles honestly to God in prayer… if we take one step at a time in acting on our Catholic Christian instincts, we can be confident that we will be able to do God’s will.
Like the first son in Jesus’ parable, we too will find our way out into the vineyard. God makes sure that He meets us where we are and knows how to move us forward in this process of challenging us to discern, and eventually understand, His will so we can be partners with Him in building the Kingdom on earth. The most important thing is for us to remain open to the workings of God in our lives, to stay in constant communication with the Lord through prayer and then invite God to lead us and transform us so we can become the best version of ourselves…the person God intended us to be. Usually that happens through small steps rather than giant ones. What small step are you willing to take towards God today?
Peace,
Deborah Gretzinger (No RE-Gretz)
It would be nice to have instant acceptance of things in our lives that we find difficult. Whether it is a situation like that of this father or making a choice to do what we believe is right in the face of criticism and opposition from others, we would like to be able to move into immediate acceptance. But often the process of discerning and accepting the will of God takes some time and involves a bit of struggle. It is truly a process. But if we are open to the grace of God in our lives…if we bring our concerns and struggles honestly to God in prayer… if we take one step at a time in acting on our Catholic Christian instincts, we can be confident that we will be able to do God’s will.
Like the first son in Jesus’ parable, we too will find our way out into the vineyard. God makes sure that He meets us where we are and knows how to move us forward in this process of challenging us to discern, and eventually understand, His will so we can be partners with Him in building the Kingdom on earth. The most important thing is for us to remain open to the workings of God in our lives, to stay in constant communication with the Lord through prayer and then invite God to lead us and transform us so we can become the best version of ourselves…the person God intended us to be. Usually that happens through small steps rather than giant ones. What small step are you willing to take towards God today?
Peace,
Deborah Gretzinger (No RE-Gretz)
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