There have been times when I have tried to go my own way and not God’s way. I have fought with God and He always wins. Odds are always with Him. In Acts 5 Gamaliel says, If this enterprise, this movement of theirs, is of human origin it will break up of its own accord; but if it does in fact come from God you will not only be unable to destroy them, but you might find yourselves fighting against God.
When I was a young man, I fell in love with this girl and then that one. I would argue with God that this is the marriage that was best for me. God said “No” and eventually gave me the love of my life. Anna is the person God intended for me and my wedding day remains the happiest day of my life.
It could have been the job I wanted or the money I had saved. The point is when we choose a direction in life do we ask God first? The vocation of a Priest, Nun or other Religious might have never happened if they had not asked God first. We all have a part in God’s plan. We are part of the puzzle of the Body of Christ. In Cursillo they ask the question,” Who is the Church?” The answer is that ” We are the Church “. We are all part of God’s plan and what ever we do we must do it because that is our mission in life.
Saint Catherine of Siena was the second women and one of four women who have been given the title of Doctor of the Church. She lived in the Middle Ages when women had no voice. Her family wanted her to marry but she chose to listen to God first. She is said to have had her first vision of Christ at the tender age of six years old. I bless you, Father, Lord of heaven and of earth, for hiding these things from the learned and the clever and revealing them to mere children.
Most children do not know what vocation they should be taking in life. Growth and maturity come with age. However, never stop listening to what the Father wants us to do. Never stop examining the conscience that the Holy Spirit speaks to us. Myself, I have found that some of the things I have said to people have hurt them. This is why that daily examination is important. In the end it is God’s way that is important. Conversations with Jesus and listening to the Spirit are the only way to truly find the direction God wants for us.
Come to me, all you who labour and are overburdened, and I will give you rest. Shoulder my yoke and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Just like Gamaliel …God’s way.
God Love You Always
Bob Burford
