Sunday Reflection: The glory to come

Today's reflection is brought to you by
Romans 8:18-23 and Matthew 13:16.

We are going through a challenging time,
O God,
but you tell us,
through the words of your servant,
Paul,
to be people of hope.

These days' struggles
are nothing
in comparison
to what you have planned for your world.

And so we are to trust in your timing
and to work
with all of your creation
to bring your will to fulfillment.

We may find ourselves
feeling helpless along the way,
but this is also part of your plan.

In facing our helplessness
we come to know
that everything depends on you,
and that we are free
to do what we can
and to entrust everything to your care.

We are not to carry
the weight of the world
because that's not our job!

You are God and we are not.

All of creation
(including us)
groans in labour,
but you are the faithful midwife.

Bless our eyes so that we may see the world as you do,
our ears to hear your requests in the voices
of those around us who are in need.

Help us to trust in you,
and to do our share
in the labour
to make our world
what you want it to be.

+Amen.

* * * * * * *

Lately, it never fails that these Sunday reflections are a pep talk to myself. Canadian and Alberta politics, news headlines and our present pandemic are real downers these days, but then along comes this piece of Paul's letter to the Romans, reminding me who is really in charge -- not our politicians, world injustices, or divisions caused by the virus that's affecting our entire planet. Somehow, I have to believe all of this is part of God's plan to bring about the glory of something so much better.

How about you?

Praying through the reflection above for a second time, I make it personal...

* * * * * * *

I am going through a challenging time,
O God,
but you tell me,
through the words of your servant,
Paul,
to be a person of hope.

These days' struggles
are nothing
in comparison
to what you have planned for your world.

And so I am to trust in your timing
and to work
with all of your creation
to bring your will to fulfillment.

I may find myself
feeling helpless along the way,
but this is also part of your plan.

In facing my helplessness
I come to know
that everything depends on you,
and that I am free
to do what I can
and to entrust everything to your care.

I am not to carry
the weight of the world
because that's not my job!

You are God and I am not.

All of creation
(including me)
groans in labour,
but you are the faithful midwife.

Bless my eyes so that I may see the world as you do,
my ears to hear your requests in the voices
of those around me who are in need.

Help me to trust in you,
and to do my share
in the labour
to make our world
what you want it to be.

+Amen.