Psalm Reflection: The Second Sunday in Ordinary Time - Cycle A

“Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will.” - Psalm 40

What does it take to build a building ? You need a design or a blueprint. Otherwise building it would be chaotic and dangerous. However, it would be even more chaotic to have several contractors and engineers on a construction site with completely different blueprints, all trying to build the plans they have. The building would never be completed.

God is the ultimate designer and architect of our universe. He is the designer and architect of your life (Jeremiah 1:5) . His plan for you is not the kind that has preplanned your every word, action and decision. However, it is a plan of radical holiness and abundance that ends with Sainthood and eternal life in Heaven (Jeremiah 29:11, Romans 8:28). He gives us a lot of room to make our own decisions, but to make them with His overall plan and design in mind.

The problem is that when we pray or when we think about our future, we have already constructed a completely different blueprint for our lives. Our blueprint usually has either left God completely out of the equation, or is more about earthly destinations than heavenly ones.

Then, we have the audacity to bring our plans to God and ask Him to make them happen, or even blame Him when they do not come to fruition. Instead of recognizing there is already a beautiful, perfect blueprint for our lives, we refuse to let go of our own inferior plans.

That is why people say, “if you want to make God laugh, tell Him your plans.” Asking God to bless your plans, if like asking an Iron Chef to heat up your TV dinner. An Iron Chef can do so much better for you! And God’s plans are so much better for you than any plans you could construct on your own.

So, when we hear and pray the words of the Responsorial Psalm this Sunday and proclaim, “Here am I, Lord; I come to do your will,” we have to recognize that means abandoning our own wills and trying to discern what God wants. 

Do you consult God in every decision you make?

Do you go to Him first for advice or direction?

God loves you infinitely more than anyone ever will, so He obviously cares about every single detail of your life. In every decision, we should ask “will this bring me closer to God or not?” When you are discerning your career, your relationships, your vocation, what school you should attend, what you spend your time and money on, even when you order off a menu, take a moment and simply ask, “God, what do you think I should do?”

When the Disciples responded to Jesus’ invitation to follow Him, they did not bring their own travel plans and agenda. Their commitment to follow Him came with the understanding that their old lives were gone, and whatever happened from that point forward would be under the direction, authority and leadership of Jesus.

Let us strive to be disciples in the same way. This week, consult God in every desicion, large or small:

What time you should wake up

When, where and how you will pray today

What you should wear

What attitude you will have

What you will eat

Where will you go and how will you get there

How you will spend your time and attention

Who you will see

What you will spend your money on

What media or entertainment (if any) you will consume

What goals you are setting

What plans you are making

Who you should call or reach out to

What time you should go to sleep

The more you ask and listen for the Lord’s direction, the more you will realize His desire to be involved in every part of your life in order to conform your will to His, which is a plan for you to spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

I am praying for you, please pray for me, and I will see you in the Eucharist.

Matt