Today’s Theme for Prayer – God Chooses to Make Me
Wis 13:1-9
Foolish by nature were all who were in ignorance of God, and who from the good things seen did not succeed in knowing the one who is, and from studying the works did not discern the artisan; Instead either fire, or wind, or the swift air, or the circuit of the stars, or the mighty water, or the luminaries of heaven, the governors of the world, they considered gods. Now if out of joy in their beauty they thought them gods, let them know how far more excellent is the Lord than these; for the original source of beauty fashioned them. Or if they were struck by their might and energy, let them realize from these things how much more powerful is the one who made them. For from the greatness and the beauty of created things their original author, by analogy, is seen. But yet, for these the blame is less; For they have gone astray perhaps, though they seek God and wish to find him. For they search busily among his works, but are distracted by what they see, because the things seen are fair. But again, not even these are pardonable. For if they so far succeeded in knowledge that they could speculate about the world, how did they not more quickly find its Lord?
Grace Prayed For
Grace to Release Shame and Fear: The passage begins with “Do not fear, you shall not be put to shame.” Pray for the grace to let go of past regrets, mistakes, and any feelings of unworthiness that hold you back from experiencing God’s love fully.
The Whisper Beyond the World
In the depths of our human experience, we often find ourselves captivated by the wonders of creation. The radiant sun, the vast expanse of the starry sky, and the intricate beauty of nature’s tapestry can fill us with awe and inspire a sense of wonder. Yet, the passage from the Book of Wisdom reminds us that these marvels, while breathtaking, are merely reflections of the divine Artist who created them.
It’s easy to get caught up in the allure of the material world, to become enamored with the tangible and visible. We may even be tempted to attribute divine qualities to these created things, forgetting that they are but echoes of the true source of all beauty and power.
The author of Wisdom gently chides those who have “gone astray,” those who seek God but become “distracted by what they see.” Their pursuit of the divine is sincere, but their focus is misplaced. They become entangled in the intricate web of creation, losing sight of the Weaver.
This passage serves as a poignant reminder to look beyond the surface, to delve deeper into the mysteries of existence. The true path to God lies not in fixating on the created but in seeking the Creator. It is in the quiet contemplation of the divine handiwork that we begin to glimpse the majesty and power of the One who fashioned it all.
Let us not be content with merely admiring the beauty of the world around us. Let us strive to know the source of that beauty, the One who breathed life into the cosmos and set the stars in motion. In the words of the Psalmist, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.” (Psalm 19:1)
May we open our hearts and minds to the divine presence that permeates all creation. May we seek the face of God not only in the grandeur of the universe but also in the stillness of our own souls. For it is there, in the depths of our being, that we truly encounter the One who is the source of all that is good, beautiful, and true.
May this reflection inspire you to deepen your relationship with the Divine Artist and to discover the hidden depths of His love and grace.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
In essence, this passage from Wisdom acts as a mirror, reflecting your own heart and revealing areas where you might be holding back in your relationship with Jesus. It encourages you to:
Embrace humility: Acknowledge your need for His grace and guidance.
See Jesus in all things: Recognize His hand in the beauty and wonder of creation.
Purify your heart: Let go of attachments that distract you from Him.
Seek deeper knowledge: Grow in your understanding of His life and teachings.
Pray with focus: Cultivate a more intimate and intentional prayer life.
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post