His Word Today: Entitled

Good morning everyone,

In today's gospel, we find Jesus inside the synagogue in Nazareth.  He had come home and was in the synagogue (cf Lk 4:24), presumably following the religious tradition that he had learned from childhood.  Knowing that one of their own had come home, perhaps those who were gathered somehow thought that he would have some word of wisdom to share with them, or perhaps that he would have a work of great power to share.

There is a danger when we take for granted an expectation of receiving favours.  The danger is that the one who is providing the favours may have a different plan in mind.  We can bring prayers and requests to God, but it is not up to us to presume that we will receive the favours that we request.  Rather, we need to trust that in His goodness, God will give us everything we need.  To do otherwise is to exhibit what in modern-day parlance might be termed an attitude of entitlement.

Today, let us pray for the grace to place ourselves trustingly in the hands of God and to allow him to direct our paths.  He knows what we need even before we can find the words to express ourselves.  Why would we not trust that he also knows what is best for us?

Have a great day.