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September 22, 2023Faith and Work
Have you ever gotten mad at God because he is generous to others?
I have often heard people say things such as: “Why does God bless everyone except me? Why do good things happen to this person and that, but nothing really good ever comes to me?” Others might say, “I just count my blessings. I have good health and a loving family, enough food to eat, peace with the world…”
I do believe very strongly in a good work ethic. I was raised to work hard and to be dependable, but I was also raised to be a man of faith and to be grateful to God for his many gifts to me. Now we all know that two persons may work equally hard and be equally intelligent, but their relative “success” in life can be very different. Being at the right place at the right time, meeting the right person, moving on an opportunity, just being lucky…all these things can radically change what happens to us in life.
Psalm 127 says:
“If the Lord does not build the house, in vain do its builders labor; if the Lord does not watch over the city, in vain does the watchman keep vigil. In vain is your earlier rising, your going later to rest, you who toil for the bread you eat: while he pours gifts on his beloved while they slumber.”
God has a plan for each one of us, and that plan is designed to get us to Heaven, our true home. St. Paul writes: “I am caught between the two. I long to depart this life and be with Christ, for that is far better. Yet that I remain in the flesh is more necessary for your benefit.”
It is a mystery of life how blessings come and go to different people. St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta use to say: “Take everything Jesus gives and give everything Jesus takes, always with a smile.”
The providence of God is designed for what is best for you and for me. Don’t get mad at God because He is generous to others. Remember, to whom much has been given, much will be expected.
Let’s live this week in gratitude for all that God has given us and done for us. And the greatest thing He has given us is His Son Jesus!
Fr. Brett Brannen
Pastor
