Don’t Understand God’s Will? You are not Alone.

“Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them…His mother treasured all these things in her heart. (Lk. 2:49-50)

Mary and Joseph did not understand the word of God, yet they were privileged to spend most of their lives in the presence of Jesus.

How important is understanding when we are following our vocation, God’s plan in our lives? Must we reject the path of simple trust, meditation and prayer because things happen to us beyond our control?

Mary simply kept the words and works of Jesus in her heart, in quiet meditation. God’s
perfect will was accomplished in her life. This is the basis of saying the rosary: the
pondering of Jesus/ God’s plan of salvation.

We do not need to understand, simply believe and trust! Thus, we Christians are always be characterized by joy. The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy (Jn. 10:10) our joy when we begin to act in a worldly way. We begin to resent people or situations that cause us suffering or
discomfort.

We begin to become agitated in our confused and sometimes hateful mind. We become arrogant and try to do things ourselves. Look at the life of Mary and ponder what suffering she continuously experienced since her vocation to be the Mother of God began at the annunciation. Saying the rosary frequently when we are in difficulties can help us to follow God’s plan in trust.

It is so difficult for a three year old to keep up with a parent’s gait. God’s plans at times may seem too much for us, but that is no reason to sit down, pout and have a temper tantrum. We are called to pray and receive the Holy Spirit who will give us the wings to keep up with the Father and the Son!

The rosary calms the mind, keeps us joyfully pondering Jesus. This prayer gives us something to do
with our anxiety! (Phil. 4:6-7)

We should know where the Lord is leading us and keep out of all sin. After this, we must continue to pray and ask for the help to complete His will. We do not need to understand it all. Mary pondered the life of Jesus and his words in her heart. We can do the same to remain calm and strong by saying the rosary. In our lack of understanding let us remain close to our Mother and her simple, humble way of being with Jesus.

Meditate on moments in Mary’s life which were difficult for her to understand:

Annunciation
Christ’s birth in a manger
Finding Jesus in the Temple
Standing at the foot of the Cross
Death of the innocents
Death of Joseph
Betrayal of Judas
Martyrdom of apostles
Her silent role in salvation