
. . . Are Not Your Ways Unfair? (Ez 18:21-28)
As I read this passage from the Book of Ezekiel, I cannot help but ask myself what kind or image I have of God? Do I consider God a "Maintenance Person" who I call upon to fix things that are broken in my life? Is God a "Magician" that makes my problems disappear whenever I call upon God in prayer? Do I picture God as a distant, uncaring Being who has lost control of creation? What is my image of God?
I may try, but I cannot manipulate God with novenas or rosaries or promises to be faithful. What God wants from me is a relationship of love. God is not a convenience when needed, or a solution to my problems. God is Love and God wants to love me in an ongoing relationship.
My reciprocal love for God does not depend upon how many of my prayers have been answered, or if life is easy or difficult. I trust God. I know God loves me. I hold on to God's unseen hand.
There is a saying that "God's ways are not our ways". What God wants or allows for my life is not always what I would choose.
If I expect God to any less than love, then I may need to take a look at the image I have painted of God for my life. Reading Sacred Scripture would be a good start to spruce up my image. Sometimes love challenges. Sometimes love consoles. Sometimes love forgives. Sometimes love endures. God is LOVE. God does all of this for me because God loves me. Do I demand more from God than what God wants for me right now? Am I unfair to the One Who loves me more than any other being can?
As I read this passage from the Book of Ezekiel, I cannot help but ask myself what kind or image I have of God? Do I consider God a "Maintenance Person" who I call upon to fix things that are broken in my life? Is God a "Magician" that makes my problems disappear whenever I call upon God in prayer? Do I picture God as a distant, uncaring Being who has lost control of creation? What is my image of God?
I may try, but I cannot manipulate God with novenas or rosaries or promises to be faithful. What God wants from me is a relationship of love. God is not a convenience when needed, or a solution to my problems. God is Love and God wants to love me in an ongoing relationship.
My reciprocal love for God does not depend upon how many of my prayers have been answered, or if life is easy or difficult. I trust God. I know God loves me. I hold on to God's unseen hand.
There is a saying that "God's ways are not our ways". What God wants or allows for my life is not always what I would choose.
If I expect God to any less than love, then I may need to take a look at the image I have painted of God for my life. Reading Sacred Scripture would be a good start to spruce up my image. Sometimes love challenges. Sometimes love consoles. Sometimes love forgives. Sometimes love endures. God is LOVE. God does all of this for me because God loves me. Do I demand more from God than what God wants for me right now? Am I unfair to the One Who loves me more than any other being can?