Read the Word // Open your Bible to today’s Gospel: Matthew 8:5-11

Reflect on the Word // 

I took a deep breath and mustered all of my courage. Like a boxer getting ready to step into the ring, I exhaled determinedly. “Thy will be done,” I prayed, and the Our Father rattled on around me. Every morning at 6:30 a.m., no matter how tired or distracted I was in Mass, I rallied for the big moment when I assented to God’s will. But on this particular morning, I sensed Heaven laughing at my heroics. It was as if the Lord good-naturedly asked me, Why are you bracing yourself for My will? My will is for your good. 

I had been subconsciously assuming that His will for me was, in fact, not good. That God’s will automatically meant suffering and loss and a lot of other hard things that I didn’t have the strength or desire for. 

Yes, holiness requires purification and detachment. And it’s true that suffering will come; we live in a fallen world and feel the consequences of our sins and others’. But I wasn’t factoring in one crucial thing: God’s love. While He permits evil because He is able to bring good out of every wrong, God is always actively willing our good because He is Love.

When Jesus encounters the Roman centurion in Matthew 8, He has only to hear his request—"Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, suffering dreadfully”—and He agrees to come—"I will come and cure him." But the soldier stops Jesus, astounding Him with his faith. The man was full of confidence that Jesus could and would. That God’s will for his suffering servant was only mercy and love. 

Jesus’ response to us is the same. When we are wounded and soul-sick from sin, He comes to cure us. He wills our healing. Every time we receive the Eucharist, He comes under our roofs to speak a healing word to our souls.

We never have to wonder if Jesus will come. He comes to us Body, Blood, Soul, and Divinity, in every reception of Holy Communion at every Mass—daily if you like—because His will for you is good.

Relate to the Lord // Pray the Our Father—joyfully! Meditate today on His loving will and good plan for your life.