THREE WORDS OF WISDOM

 WILL OF GOD

Photo: R. Massaro

The Will of God for our soul is a mysterious discernment process that we struggle with our entire lives. It's usually an interior spiritual competition-of-sorts between the the will of God vs. what I want. The good news is that it is a good sign if we have this interior struggle.  I think we can safely say that not many in our society give one thought to what is the "will of God" for their lives.

Many saints have struggled with pleasing God and doing his will. I think of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta. What great courage it must have taken to leave her own religious order to begin the Sisters of Charity-following the Holy Spirit's prompting to do the will of God. And how many priests today struggled with the call to follow Christ and enter the seminary?

St. Therese of the Child Jesus, Bl. Elizabeth of the Trinity, St. Teresa of the Andes, St. Teresa of Jesus (Avila) all made heroic acts to leave their beloved families and enter the cloister, virtually cutting themselves off from their families and the world to follow the crucified and risen Christ in the Order of Carmel. They longed to imitate Christ who was obedient to the will of the Father. The will of the Father was Jesus' life, passion, death, and resurrection. All for love of us and our salvation.

Photo: R. Massaro

God knows what is best for us. He has a unique plan for each of us that leads to salvation and a life in his house that will never end. Each day the details of our life are a road map to this destiny.  This is why I believe St. Therese of the Child Jesus is one of the greatest saints of modern times, according to many popes. Her little way of love in finding God in the ordinary tasks of everyday life are one way in which we can live out the will of God in the little details of daily life. And as scripture tells us those who are faithful in little things will be charged with greater.

The will of God can seem mysterious, challenging and heart-wrenching for those who love him and want to please him. It can also be very simple. Simple if we respond in love to the opportunities he presents to us each day. St. Augustine tells us to "love and do what you will." This is great spiritual advice if it is not taken out of context. We must be people of prayer with a conscience formed by the Holy Spirit. Our choices must reflect the Gospel and the teachings of the Church. Yes, we can have freedom in this life, true freedom if we embrace the cross-the ultimate sacrificial love that Christ had for the Father and for us.

Let us pray for each other, that we follow Jesus in saying yes to the will of the Father. He will become intimate friends with us if we have this desire. For he says:" ...there are my mother and my brothers. Whoever does the will of my heavenly Father is brother and sister and mother to me." (Matthew 12:50)

Peace be with you!
Rosemarie, OCDS
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