26 June, Thursday — Contemplation and Action

Thursday of Week 12 in Ordinary Time

Gen 16:6-12,15-16
Mt 7:21-29 

“Everyone who listens to these words….and acts on them will be like a sensible man…”

Contemplation and Action are not mutually exclusive; if we contemplate on God’s words, it must surely lead us to action, to participate in His plan. Lately, I have grown very fond of silence. It is beautiful to be able to seek the Lord in prayer and to develop a closer relationship with our Divine Creator and seek knowledge, understanding and wisdom from Him. However, once we have gained this knowledge, we cannot just stop there. Such wisdom needs to translate into action; we need to act on these and fulfill His holy will. Nothing matters if we choose not to act upon His instructions. Today’s gospel reminds me that there is a purpose for me, for each and everyone of us, here on earth. We were not randomly created, but “have been fearfully and wonderfully made” (Ps 139:14); intricately crafted so that we can be partakers of His plan for salvation.

Our Blessed Mother Mary is the perfect role model for us in saying ‘yes’ to God and being a willing participant in His divine plan.

An extract from Denise Levertov’s poem “Annunciation”, says it best…. “Aren’t there annunciations of one sort or another in most lives? Some unwillingly undertake great destinies, enact them in sullen pride, uncomprehending.

More often those moments when roads of light and storm open from darkness in a man or woman, are turned away from in dread, in a wave of weakness, in despair and with relief

 Ordinary lives continue. God does not smite them. But the gates close, the pathway vanishes.”

We all have our moments of mini annunciations, do we allow the gates to close and the pathway to vanish? Or do we undertake these great destinies, enact them even when they are hard to comprehend? What is our answer?

(Today’s OXYGEN by Lorraine Wong)

Prayer: Dear Mother Mary, you are the perfect disciple. Please intercede for us that we may learn to embrace the pathways of God just like you did; to take action towards them even though we may not fully comprehend His ways.

Thanksgiving: Our Father in Heaven, we praise and glorify your name, for your ways are perfect and your will be done.