Daily Retreat 08/18/07
2007 Aug 18 Sat/ BVM/ Jane Frances de Chantal, mw, rf
Jos 24:14-29/ Ps 16:1-2a and 5. 7-8. 11/ Mt 19:13-15
From today’s readings: “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD!... You are my inheritance, O Lord.... Let the children come to Me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these....”
The Choice
Free will is the most sublime element of our human nature. Whenever we see great evil done by others (or by ourselves!), the question can arise, “Why did our Creator endow us with this gift of free will, which makes us capable of hatred and evil?” The answer, of course, is that, without our free will, you and I would be incapable of love and goodness. God gave us this gift of freedom simply so that we could love and choose Him! So this is the drama of human life: how do we use or abuse our freedom?
Joshua stresses this point - no one is forced to know, love and serve God. Ultimately, we can (and too often do!) choose to serve false gods (as is the case, for instance, when we put our pursuit of money or prestige ahead of our dedication to God). But Joshua gives the timely reminder that the exercise of our free will bears weighty consequence, for good or for ill. So the psalmist reminds us: When, with all of our heart, we choose and recognize the Lord as our inheritance, you and I are using His gift of free will for its intended purpose, and so, our life is filled with the consolation of His presence – “With Him at my right hand, I shall not be disturbed!”
Free will actually makes us like God - after all, He did not have to create us, and redeem us, and choose us and love us every moment of our existence! He chose (and chooses!) us, not because He needs us, or is dependent on our help, but rather because He has freely decided to give of Himself to His beloved children, to embrace and bless for all eternity those who choose Him and come to Him!
Jos 24:14-29/ Ps 16:1-2a and 5. 7-8. 11/ Mt 19:13-15
From today’s readings: “As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD!... You are my inheritance, O Lord.... Let the children come to Me, and do not prevent them; for the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to such as these....”
The Choice
Free will is the most sublime element of our human nature. Whenever we see great evil done by others (or by ourselves!), the question can arise, “Why did our Creator endow us with this gift of free will, which makes us capable of hatred and evil?” The answer, of course, is that, without our free will, you and I would be incapable of love and goodness. God gave us this gift of freedom simply so that we could love and choose Him! So this is the drama of human life: how do we use or abuse our freedom?
Joshua stresses this point - no one is forced to know, love and serve God. Ultimately, we can (and too often do!) choose to serve false gods (as is the case, for instance, when we put our pursuit of money or prestige ahead of our dedication to God). But Joshua gives the timely reminder that the exercise of our free will bears weighty consequence, for good or for ill. So the psalmist reminds us: When, with all of our heart, we choose and recognize the Lord as our inheritance, you and I are using His gift of free will for its intended purpose, and so, our life is filled with the consolation of His presence – “With Him at my right hand, I shall not be disturbed!”
Free will actually makes us like God - after all, He did not have to create us, and redeem us, and choose us and love us every moment of our existence! He chose (and chooses!) us, not because He needs us, or is dependent on our help, but rather because He has freely decided to give of Himself to His beloved children, to embrace and bless for all eternity those who choose Him and come to Him!
posted by FrPitstick | 8/17/2007
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