23 February, Thursday — Follow Me

Thursday after Ash Wednesday

Deu 30:15-20
Lk 9:22-25

“…let him renounce himself and take up his cross every day and follow me.” 

Since my return from a short pilgrimage to Medjugorje, life has resumed and continues to be challenging on various fronts. But rather than allow these to weigh me down and get flustered, I have adopted a ‘let’s see where God leads me’ attitude..which, in all honesty, may not be so easy for most of us.

Many of us like to be in control of outcomes, things, processes, and even of others around us…it is human nature for us to ‘want the best’ (whatever that means) for everyone. And when older folk get involved (especially grandparents or parents, however well-meaning they may be), we tend to question their motives.

Over the past few months, ‘taking up my cross’ has involved being patient and understanding with many people around me. And yes, I have prayed many rosaries in the process. Perhaps it is God’s way of bringing me closer to Mother Mary and, in a tangential manner, closer to my mum. I can guess why…but then again, can we ever fathom God’s plans for us? Especially when it comes to relationship matters.

I can see though, how, gradually, the lines of communication have been softening and opening up. Not just at home, but also at work. It feels like God is preparing me for something larger, in order to fulfil a long-held wish/dream I have. In the meantime, I can only trust in faith and just accept the trials that are coming my way.

Brothers and sisters, carrying our daily crosses is not something we look forward to. But I can assure you that lifting our troubles up to God does make the process a bit more bearable. We may never have any answers to the situations/people we face, but God certainly does have us in his loving arms and is looking out for us – no matter how dire our circumstances. After all, what could be worse than the suffering Jesus, God’s beloved Son, endured for our salvation? 

(Today’s OXYGEN by Desmond Soon)

Prayer: We pray for God’s mercies and blessings to pour upon us as we journey each day with all the crosses we bear.

Thanksgiving: Thank you, Abba Father, for those who you send my way to help me endure my crosses. You are a God who is generous, forgiving and full of love for me. Thank you for always being there for me.