"My Will or Yours?": A Reflection on the Second Reading for August 19th, 2018: Twentieth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Ephesians 5:15-20

15 Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with all your heart, 20 always and for everything giving thanks in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God the Father.

“Where there’s a will, there’s a way!”
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I can still hear my Mom saying that to us whenever we felt we were unable to do something that seemingly couldn’t be done. When we were just about ready to give up, we would hear my Mom repeating these words over and over again until we were able to meet the challenge of accomplishing what we thought was impossible.

It certainly is difficult to live a life in the Lord’s way, given the evil ways of our times. We are preoccupied with social media, of keeping abreast of the latest—in the news, gadgets, fashions or trends in the business world, and in the management styles we employ. We constantly want to be “in”, “modern” and “up to date”. How much of what we do—even if it is supposed to work or be good for us—is truly in keeping with the life that the Lord wants us to lead?

In reflecting about our life in this modern world, there are so many questions that come to mind. When we go about a task—whether at work or at ministry—are we filled with the Spirit as we complete it? Do we have our eyes focussed on Jesus? Do we constantly ask ourselves, ‘Is this what Jesus would have done in this circumstance?’ or, ‘Is this what He would want us to do?’

In trying to be the best that I can be as I try to follow what I feel is the path to holiness, I may have brushed aside someone’s well intentioned suggestion because I did not agree with it. I may not have been compassionate, or maybe I failed to offer a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on in dealing with the people God has given me to work with. Being so task oriented, at times I get frustrated when I realize that it is impossible to achieve what I had set out to do. Sometimes, when trying to finish a project, I think that it would be impossible to do it if I have to slow down and consider the human aspects of my work or environment. Then I remember my Mom’s words. Yes, it can be done. When it is the Lord’s will that we try to achieve, it can be done with His help. There is indeed a way if we try to follow His will.

Liz Venezuela

"How much of what we do—even if it is supposed to work or be good for us—is truly in keeping with the life that the Lord wants us to lead?"
- Liz Venezuela (Ora Reflections)