2 May, Thursday — Release

Memorial of Saint Athanasius, Bishop and Doctor of the Church

Acts 15:7-21
Psalms 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 10
John 15:9-11

‘Now therefore, why tempt you God to put a yoke upon the necks of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?’

Many of us encounter injustice in our lives. Others seem to go unpunished for their actions and are rewarded for their misdeeds. It can be frustrating and lonely to wonder where God is in the midst of everything that happens to us.

When I was younger, I believed that whatever pain and suffering I underwent would bear fruit and that righteousness would prevail. It is harder to believe that now as I’ve grown older. But perhaps I am working on my timeline, and not God’s.

God’s timing has never been predictable. Some people’s prayers are answered immediately via tangible miracles. Others play the waiting game and only achieve peace in eternal rest.

So how then do we go through our lives if we feel cheated by God? Comparing ourselves with others is ineffective as it makes our happiness contingent on the situations of others. Gritting our teeth and getting on with our tasks builds resentmwnt and tension. Practicing gratitude does not remove the pain and memories of past hurts.

Could the solution be to forgive others and to live in the present? Once we can let go of the grudges we bear, we will experience a lightness and freedom of spirit. With trust in God’s plan for justice and righteousness, we do not need to take matters into our own hands. Instead, we focus on what we need to get done, and derive satisfaction from that.

This has helped me in my daily life. I am pleased when my task-list gets shorter, and I have a good night’s rest knowing that I have done my best. Of the many roles I fulfill, being a prosecutor is not one of them. Remembering and staying true to our vocations will keep us from being distracted and hungry for our own brand of justice.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Gregory Mathew)

Prayer: We ask you Lord, to help us keep our eyes on our goals. May we have the fortitude and patience to work towards the dreams you have planted in our hearts.

Thanksgiving: We are grateful for all the blessings in our lives. May we look at them independently and without conditions, and may we strive to be blessings to others.