A Different Ending

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/111013.cfm) reminds me that in life, there are different endings.

We have seen a lot of stories in the bible wherein God intervenes and gives a happy ending to his people. We see that at the last minute, Abraham was not asked to sacrifice his only son Isaac, though he was ready to. We see how God sends his angels to save the three men from the burning furnace, or how an angel closed the mouth of the lion to protect Daniel, or how God kept Jonah alive in the belly of the whale. Somehow, we hope (and sometimes think) that as God’s followers, he will always come to our rescue the way we want to, that we will have a “happy ending.” However, we see that in the first reading, that is not always the case.

In the first reading, we see that seven brothers and their mother were arrested. All of them were faithful servants of God, ready to die in obedience to God’s laws. We would have thought that God would send an angel to save the faithful and loyal family. But in the story we see that all of them died, even their mother. A different ending.

God’s wisdom is far beyond ours. God’s will is perfect. His reasons are always correct. May we always remember these, especially when things does not go our way, or we don’t seem to get the happy ending we want or we think we deserve as faithful children of God.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for the reminder that even though life is full of surprises, it will never be out of your control. Lord, I pray that I have firm faith in you. things may not go my way or the way I want it or expect it, but may I always remember that it is always under your control. Our beloved country may be in a difficult situation right now, but we just continue to have full faith in you. May we trust in your infinite goodness and your wisdom, Lord. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-