Confidence in God

This portion of the letter to the Hebrews among other things, says, ‘For it is not as if we had a high priest who was incapable of feeling our weaknesses with us; but we have one who has been tempted in every way that we are, though he is without sin. Let us be confident, then, in approaching the throne of grace, that we shall have mercy from him and find grace when we are in need of help’ (Hb 4:14-16). Although the prophet Isaiah makes it clear that, ‘the Lord has been pleased to crush his servant with suffering’, he however adds, ‘if he offers his life in atonement, he shall see his heirs, he shall have a long life and through him what the Lord wishes will be done…’ (cf. Is. 53:10-11).

Beloved People of God, our faith in God, our trust, must include a willing and wholehearted acceptance of these words of the prophet, even when we are in anguish, being crushed with suffering, ‘the Lord looks on those who revere him, on those who hope in his love, to rescue their souls from death, to keep them alive in famine. We ought to totally believe the words of the prophet, ‘his soul’s anguish over, he shall see the light and be content. By his sufferings shall my servant justify many, taking their faults to himself’ (cf. Is. 53:10-11).

God’s love is not always made manifest in being granted everything we ask for in prayer, everything that we express as our desire. It is not always about what we want and desire. It is often about what we need and that which is in line with the perfect will of the Lord. At such moments, we grow in confidence that we shall have mercy and find grace when we are in need of help. God is the Master Planner. He alone has the complete and perfect plan.

Fr Ted

All to Jesus – Through Mary our Mother

29^th Sunday in Ordinary Time (B)

20^th October 2024