A time of adversity

"When he had spent it all, that country experienced a severe famine and now he began to feel the pinch; …. then he came to his senses." (Luke 15: 14-17)

Times and Seasons

There is a time for everything: a time for prosperity and a time for adversity. There is a time for growth and a time for recession. The prodigal son came to his senses in a time of adversity. Without the adversity, his life might have ended in dissoluteness. We thank God for the time of plenty and also for the time of adversity.

Remembering

"Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He pardons all your iniquities; he heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction; he crowns you with kindness and compassion." (Psalm 103: 1-4)

Forgetfulness of God's benefits is a terrible state to be in. Forgetfulness of God's benefits exposes us to the risk of despair and hopelessness. A crisis overcame yesterday may come back tomorrow. If we do not remember how we overcame, how do we handle the new crisis? It is a good habit to write down the steps employed by technical support to solve a computer problem. Why? The same or similar problem may pop up before you know it.

I keep a journal and try to write down all God's blessings. The act of writing etches the event deep inside my memory. When a new crisis develops, I search inside my memory for clues on how similar situations were handled in the past. This has helped me to see a pattern of God's interventions.

"Bless the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits. He pardons all your iniquities; he heals all your ills. He redeems your life from destruction; he crowns you with kindness and compassion." (Psalm 103: 1-4)

 

Grant us to see wonders

"With shepherd's crook lead your people to pasture, the flock that is your heritage, living confined in a forest with meadow land all around. Let them graze in Bashan and Gilead as in the days of old! As in the days when you came out of Egypt, grant us to see wonders!" (Micah 7: 14-15)

I confided the following reflection on the above to my journal in 1999.

"3.30 am, I woke up and did not sleep again until I got out of bed at 4.30 am. I asked Christ again as I did before the BS yesterday to bless me enormously this jubilee year. I asked him to grant me to see wonders. I asked for light and guidance on my ministry."

God’s Gifts to us

"God our Father, by your gifts to us on earth we already share in your life. In all we do, guide us to the light of your kingdom…" (Opening Mass Prayer)

• God's gifts to us:
  
• The Holy Spirit
  
• The Church
  
• The Sacraments
  
• Faith, Hope and Love
  
• Communion of Saints
  

These gifts help us to share God's life here and now.

Attributes of God

"The Lord is loving and merciful, to anger slow, and full of love; the Lord is kind to all, and compassionate to all his creatures." (Psalm 145: 8-9)

Attributes of God:

• Loving
  
• Merciful
  
• Slow to anger (long-suffering)
  
• Kind
  
• Compassionate
  
• Omnipresent
  
• Omniscient
  
• Great
  
• Forgiving
  
• Pure
  
• Holy
  
• Eternal
  

The Great Reversals

"Have you never read in the scriptures: The stone which the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this is the Lord's doing and we marvel at it. " (Matthew 21: 42)

The great reversals: Joseph was rejected and sold into slavery by his brothers. God accepted him and promoted him the prime minister of Egypt. Jesus Christ was rejected and crucified. God promoted him by raising him from the dead and confirming him both Lord and God. Why then should we fear rejection? "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own perception. In everything you do, acknowledge him and he will direct your path." (Proverbs 3:5)

They sold Joseph

"They sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for 20 shekels of silver, and these men took Joseph to Egypt." (Genesis 37: 28)

They sold Joseph.

"To you Lord I look for protection, never let me be disgraced. You are my refuge; save me from the trap they had laid for me." (Psalm 31: 2, 5)

Once upon a time, my employer treated me badly. God became the guardian of my rights; he became my refuge and protector. I was "sold" by my "brethren," but God saved me.