Praying with our readings of this Sunday, I was at first glance struck by the moralistic tone, even a warning, which can be sensed in God’s word: the brevity of our human lives; the ultimate futility of our efforts; the folly of selfishness. They are good passages to hear in those times when I am, perhaps, working too diligently toward a goal, or I am overly consumed with the completion of a project, or I am unjustifiably confident that I have everything together, not overlooking a thing. Certainly, in situations such as these, it is good to hear a word of God that shakes things up a bit, wakes me from the slumber of self-centredness.
Yet, upon some reflection, it is not those moral teachings which stay with me, but rather, a greater awareness of the work of God, borne from love, in every corner of creation. God’s loving eyes are certainly focused on each and every one of us, at all times and all places. However, God’s gaze is much wider than we can even imagine, looking upon every creature, every plant, every rock, with a plan and intent for everything, such that all things God creates may come to be what they have been made to become.
In shortsightedness, I may see a grain of wheat as having been created to belong in a silo. Or, perhaps, I may assume that I was created to fulfill my own, self-organized destiny. But what is God’s plan? It will always be a bit of a mystery, yet pursuing that never-ending story will always bring freedom and joy.
The readings of today invite us to pause and take a moment of reflection, to look all around at the awesomeness of God’s creation before us: the beauty of earth, the water, and the sky; the intricate wonders of plant and animal life; the mysterious depths of human beings (even one’s own self); the amazing complexity of community. Then, a further reflection: what is God’s invitation today, this moment, of willing surrender to God’s loving work, for my own freedom, and for the freedom of another? These scriptures invite us to gratitude, of God who is working diligently, not overlooking a single thing, certainly never overlooking any of us, furthering the completion, the fulfillment, the reconciliation of all things in Godself.
– Fr. Gerry McDougall, SJ
