Gospel Reflection

July 24, 2012

Tuesday
Weekday

by Rev. Fr. Bob McConaughey

Edsa Shrine

First Reading:   Micah 7:14-15, 18-20

Psalm:             Psalm 85:2-8

Gospel:            Matthew 12:46-50

46 While he was still speaking to the people, behold, his mother and his brothers stood outside, asking to speak to him. 48 But he replied to the man who told him, "Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?" 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, "Here are my mother and my brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother, and sister, and mother."

HOMILY
Most of us want things be done our way - let our will be done, and not God's. But that is not the way things should be. In everything in our life, most especially in major decisions that we have to make, we should ask God's guidance, and seek His will.
But how do we do it? How do we seek God's will? According to Father Bob, we should ask the Lord for discernment. And there are three ways by which we can do this.
First, we should have an open heart. In prayer, let us first approach God and tell Him "Lord, here I am. I am giving my heart to You, and trust in Your grace. Please show me Your will."
Second, with our mental capacities, we should think things through. We should gather as much information about the problem, situation or decision that we need to make. Here, Father Bob suggests that we seek the advice of people close to us - those who know us, and those we trust, those who we know are genuinely concerned about us and will be there to help us. If needed, we should also seek the counsel of a priest or someone who is not personally attached to us - so that person can give us a neutral opinion. Then balancing these, we should be able to make a stand or be more firm in what option we would like to take.
Third and finally, once we are already able to think things through, we should come back to God, and present our heart to Him, saying "Lord, this is what I believe is best. Please show me what is Your will". According to Father Bob, as we seek God's will, He will find a way to communicate it to us. Sometimes, we may still even make a mistake in our decision. But what is important is we sought God's guidance first, and in His time, He will show us the way.