Monday of Week 31 in Ordinary Time
Rm 11:29-36
Lk 14:12-14
God never takes back his gifts or revokes his choice.
Today’s gospel reminds me of those many times when I ask God, “Why am I not able to walk?”
There have been countless times when I fantasise myself in an alternate reality where I can walk: How might life have turned out for me? Where would I be today? When I am faced with difficulties due to my physical challenges, I admit that I do feel angry at God for his choice.
Although a wheelchair makes it easier for me to move around, there are still surprising obstacles along the way. For example, the construction of a new MRT station near my home means that the pedestrian walkways keep changing. Some of these paths end up becoming inaccessible to people who move around on wheelchairs.
Many people also tend to be awkward when communicating with people with special needs like me. Beyond polite smiles and gestures, at times I feel like there is an invisible wall between me and people who can walk.
Even special needs people have cliques among themselves. While it is tempting to befriend loneliness and self-pity, I am always reminded of God’s love and blessings for me. As a new journalist at a local media outlet, I am only beginning to appreciate God’s gift of writing that He has given me.
A few days ago, I was watching The Chosen’s Matthew reconciliation with his father in Season 3, Episode 1. Tears filled my eyes when I watched them reconciling with each other so mercifully and beautifully.
Matthew probably would not know back then why Jesus chose him to be His scribe. But now in heaven, he probably knows why. I was writing with the Catholic News for a while and now a mainstream media outlet, and I find Matthew’s role relatable to mine. Certainly, I still don’t know why God put me in my current position, except that I love writing.
God will surely open my eyes and mind in time to come to reveal His sacred purpose and will to me, and I’ll then understand why I am in my current role.
Patiently, I will wait for His wisdom and Holy Spirit to speak to me when the time is right.
(Today’s OXYGEN by Brenda Khoo)
Prayer: Dear Lord, please help us to appreciate and develop our gifts for Your glory. And please grant us the virtues of patience and wisdom to help us accept ourselves, strengths and weaknesses, successes and shortcomings. Amen.
Thanksgiving: Thank You Lord, for giving us beautiful gifts that remind us of Your blessings for us. Amen.
OXYGEN 
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