24 August 2014
21st Sunday in Ordinary Time
The opening verse of today’s passage from Romans should stop us right in our tracks as it did Paul.Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!
The Apostle to the Gentiles has been frustrated in his efforts to convince fellow Jews of God’s plan of salvation fulfilled in Christ. They’re just not buying it. But God’s mysterious ways are hard at work among the Gentile community which will provide a rich harvest for Paul's mission. Paul realizes that he must abandon his efforts at logic and reason to explain God’s ways and surrender himself to the wisdom of the divine plan. A lesson for us all!
When our own minds and hearts are weary of trying to figure out God’s ways, can we not simply turn to acknowledging that God is God and we are not? When we are frustrated that answers don’t come as we would like them, can we not trust that God knows what it best for us? When we find it difficult to wait for God to work in our lives, can we not acknowledge that God’s plan for us is unfolding in ways more wonderful than we can imagine?
Oh, the depth of the riches of God. Look around with eyes wide open to the wonders of God in our midst: the miracle of life, the beauty of creation, the desires of the human heart, the life of God that pulsates within our being, the blessings we realize each day, the gift of Eucharist.
Oh, the depth of the wisdom of God. Be humbled by His wondrous plan of salvation unfolded for all humanity. Behold the Cross, the pinnacle of that plan, and realize God’s limitless love poured out.
Oh, the depth of the knowledge of God. Marvel at his unfathomable ways made known to us in the Scripture. Seek this knowledge in God’s Sacred Word. Allow these truths to reveal to your heart the mysterious plan God has in mind for you.
Can we be content to put aside our own logic and reason and simply trust in the providence of our loving God?
The author, Ms. Barbara Gawle, leads Bible studies at her parish, Incarnation Church of Wethersfield, CT. She is a CBS graduate and the 2012 recipient of the Biblical School's highest award, the Lawrence Boadt Memorial Medal.
