It is not easy to find or fit through the narrow gate. People generally choose the path of least resistance. That would be the wide gate. Jesus Christ is the narrow gate through which we enter heaven.
Today’s first reading includes one of my favorite verses in the Bible. Romans 8:28. I try to ponder this verse every day. St. Paul says, “We know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.”
Our job today is to break down and really take this verse into our hearts. WE KNOW – we believe, we trust, we have full assurance in our hearts…THAT ALL THINGS – not some things, not just the good things, but ALL things, even those things that we perceive as tragedies, inconveniences, betrayals; yes, ALL things…WORK FOR GOOD – that, even though we may not know why or how, God is going to bring good from everything that happens to us; it may be just spiritual growth or patience or fortitude or some other virtue that we need…FOR THOSE WHO LOVE GOD – you love God, right? Then that’s you!!…WHO ARE CALLED ACCORDING TO HIS PURPOSE – God has called you by name. He knew you as He knit you in your mother’s womb. Once again, this is you!! Now, meditate on this verse. Make it your own. Know it. Love it. Trust it.
Father, we thank you for calling us, and always having our best interest in mind. Help us to trust you regardless of the circumstances of life, and to know that ALL THINGS WORK FOR GOOD. Amen.
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Two adages come to mind.
1) When things are not going my way, it just may it is because they are going His Way;
2) Sometimes, when things do not go my way, He may be protecting me from myself.
I guarantee we have all had such experiences if we look back over our lives. For me, one profound one was when I (unhappily!) declined an invite to an off-shore shark fishing tournament to keep peace at home. The friend who invited me was never seen again as he was lost at sea.
Lord, please help me to ALWAYS trust in Your Ways!