Twenty-Fifth Friday in Ordinary Time

There is an appointed time for everything, and a time for everything under the heavens. A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to uproot the plant. A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to tear down, and a time to build. A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance. A time to scatter stones, and a time to gather them; a time to embrace, and a time to be far from embraces. A time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away. A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to be silent, and a time to speak. A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

God’s Divine Plan for us does not always match up with our plans. However, He knows what is best for us and if we trust in Him, then no matter what happens to us, we will know it is for our good and the good of others. We were born for a purpose and will die for one, too. We will have to die to ourselves in some ways so we can live in others. We must be willing to tear down ourselves so we might be rebuilt in God’s image. We must be willing to suffer loss so we might gain in spirit. We must be willing to defend ourselves from the attacks and snares of the Devil so we might have eternal peace with God. Just like Jesus, our lives will not be without suffering and loss. We will need to be able to accept the sacrifices being asked of us and know in our hearts that if we commend our spirits to God, He will take care of them.

Do we trust there is a divinely appointed time for everything under the heavens? Are we willing to trust God will see us through our trials and tribulations to a deeper peace in Him? How can we become more patient with God’s Divine Plan?

O Lord, not our will, but your will be done.

Amen.