1 October 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: HOW DO WE RESPOND TO OPPOSITION AND TO OVERWHELMING SITUATIONS?

First Reading: Job 3: 1-3, 11-17, 20-23
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 88: 2-3, 4-5, 6, 7-8
Alleluia: Mark 10: 45
Gospel: Luke 9: 51-56

When we are faced with opposition or overwhelming situations, we have the tendency to be carried away by our emotions. Sometimes, we even decide to do things that are against God's will. Such emotion-driven decisions, instead of resolving problems, result in untoward incidents and confusion. But with a clear mind, we definitely would not want such things to happen. As followers of Christ, our ultimate goal is to follow whatever His will is, wherever He may lead us.

St. Paul of the Cross said, "In uniting yourself to God's will, you take on new life and gather great courage, willingly embracing the cross and kissing His hand even when it chastises you, a hand that reaches out to you in love and has no other intention but your greater spiritual well-being."

Let us always strive to know the heart of our Lord Jesus Christ, and seek guidance in our decisions, especially in challenging and overwhelming situations. And let us be confident that He knows perfectly the best plan and outcome for all His creatures.

This is the 1622nd installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: Let us listen to our brother Lawrence Quintero, a member of the CFC International Council, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook page. In You Tube, just type