Memorial of Saint Francis of Assisi

Though I was seized with great fear, I answered the king: "May the king live forever! How could I not look sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been eaten out by fire?" The king asked me, "What is it, then, that you wish?" I prayed to the God of heaven and then answered the king: "If it please the king, and if your servant is deserving of your favor, send me to Judah, to the city of my ancestors' graves, to rebuild it."

God wants us to be happy. He wants to give us what we need to succeed in our spiritual lives. He is constantly asking us, “What is it, then that you wish?” Not for us to answer in worldly terms or to make selfish requests, but rather to prayerfully ask for the thoughts, words, and works that will help us to build up the temples within our souls. He wants us to discern with Him what are the most important aspects of our lives so we know where we wants us to go and what He wants us to do. We can’t do that if we are paralyzed with fears, doubts, and distractions. However, if we answer His call and pray for guidance, He will lead us where we need to be and inspire us to say and do what is in accord with His Will.

How can we overcome our fears and answer God’s call to follow Him? What is it that God wishes for us? What can we do to discern God’s Will in our lives?

O Lord, help us to wish for what is right and good.

Amen.

Feast of Saint James, Apostle

“What do you wish?” She answered him, “Command that these two sons of mine sit, one at your right and the other at your left, in your Kingdom.” Jesus said in reply, “You do not know what you are asking. Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” They said to him, “We can.” He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink, but to sit at my right and at my left, this is not mine to give but is for those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.”

There are many wishes we can have in life. We can wish for health and happiness. We can wish for peace and goodness. We can wish for heavenly things or earthly ones. We can wish for God to protect us and our loved ones from harm. However, we need to remember that although we might feel entitled to these things, we won't always get them. We do not know what we are asking for. We do not see God's entire Divine Plan and how everything interconnects from our highest highs to our lowest lows. In the face of the difficulties which will inevitably enter into our lives, the only thing we can do is trust in God. Believe that no matter what happens on earth we will find happiness in heaven if we are willing to drink the chalice God has prepared for us.

What do we wish for? Do we truly trust in God? Can we drink the chalice He has prepared for us?

O Lord, we wish only to stay by your side always.

Amen.