IN LOOKING BACK…
Scripture: “The Lord answered me when I called in my distress.” – Psalm 120:1
Catechism of the Catholic Church: “When we praise God or give Him thanks for His benefits in general, we are not particularly concerned
whether or not our prayer is acceptable to Him. On the other hand, we demand to see the results of our petitions. What is the image of God
that motivates our prayer: an instrument to be used? Or the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ?.” – CCC #2735
In looking back, I recall six months ago many people praying for warmer weather; guess what, God answered the prayer for warmer weather.
I also recall three months ago many people praying for the rain to stop; guess what, God answered the prayer and the rain stopped. God
answers our prayers, brothers and sisters.
It may not always be in the way that we want, the time when we expect Him to deliver on the prayer, but He will answer them; in accordance
to His will – not ours. He gives us what we need; not always what we want or desire. He loves us always and unconditionally, and He knows
us better than we know ourselves. He is outside of time, so He sees everything all at once. He knows what is in our future.
And because He knows our future, He also asks us to trust in Him, to have faith in His will. In doing so, we may not always get what we want,
and when we want it, but we can rest assured, that it will always be what we need at the right time.
However, could there be times that we forget to thank the Lord for all that He has already done for us, and will continue to do for us? Do we
thank Him for answering our prayers – even if it may not be exactly how we hoped? Brothers and sisters, we must never allow the
conveniences we are blessed with in our lives cause us to forget: our Lord is the Lord for all ages, at all times; even when it may be
inconvenient for us.
Even at these times, God loves us – each and every one of us. As such, He always sends us the help and encouragement we need to once more
remember Him, to once more show the gratitude that He deserves for all that we have, all that we need, all that we are, and all that we can be.
He gave Moses the commandments, the faithful remnant returned after the Babylonian exile. And most important of all, a virgin gave birth
to the Son of the Most High who grew to lead us into our Heavenly Homeland.
This alone is enough to give thanks to God – the gift of His Son! Therefore, brothers and sisters, let us not be upset if our prayers are not
answered in the manner that we wish, or at a particular time. Instead, let us give thanks to God, for all He has done for us, and all that He will
do for us. And let us remember the words from the Prophet Jeremiah:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
– Jeremiah 29:11