27th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. The precepts of the Lord give joy to the heart
Written by Emilie Berard
Let’s talk about blessings.
As I reflect on today’s responsorial psalm and my own life, thoughts of blessings in my life (obviously) come to mind. I think about my wonderful and amazing husband, the home we are building, my family and friends, and a laundry list of blessings I thank God for daily. I also start to think about where I was 5, 10, 15 years ago, and what I was praying for back then and compare those prayers to the blessings I have now. Some of those prayers came to fruition while others never happened.
Also in my reflection, the virtue of Patience keeps coming up. As I near my thirties with much life ahead of me, I still feel the comparison monster creep up in my thoughts. Others my age are having more and more babies. Honestly, my entire Facebook feed is just babies being born and new announcements for more babies coming soon. Being 2 and half years into my marriage, I start to question: will it ever happen?
On the first read-through of the Psalms today, it sounds like a checklist. Work hard, say your prayers, and mind your business to have the blessings of the Lord pour upon you. And yes, trusting in the Lord and following His path can bring us true happiness, but sometimes the blessings we want aren’t necessarily in God’s plan for us. Sometimes the blessing you want may not be a complete no, just a not yet. However, sometimes the answer to our prayers may simply be “I have something greater for you.” We don’t know God’s plan for us (wouldn’t that make life so much easier!), but through prayer and a whole lot of patience, we can see life unfold in front of us like a beautiful story. And I know God to be the greatest storyteller.
Take some time today to reflect on prayers you’ve had in the past. How were they answered? Did you get an immediate response or did you have to wait patiently?
Emilie Berard has walked with God in various capacities including volunteering and working for the Catholic Church for several years. She is married to her wonderful husband, Chris, and together they strive to grow their marriage to be faith-filled. She would like to invite you to check out the Fio App, the home for Catholic podcasts and music!
Pray with today’s psalm.