OUR UNFULFILLED DESIRES IN LIGHT OF GOD'S PROVIDENCE - 03/13/23 (Monday of the Third Week of Lent)

Luke 4:28–30

When the people in the synagogue heard this, they were all filled with fury. They rose up, drove him out of the town, and led him to the brow of the hill on which their town had been built, to hurl him down headlong. But he passed through the midst of them and went away. 

For the full readings, click here: 

https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/031323.cfm

Blessed Monday! Jesus came from Nazareth, but His own people did not believe in Him. Our Lord performed numerous miracles in Capernaum before He went back to Nazareth. Because of this, many people expected Him to perform more miracles just as what He other did in other places. And yet, Jesus Christ did not do it. What He simply said was that no prophet was accepted in his own native place. After He cited the example of how Naaman, who was a pagan, was the only leper who was cured in Israel through Elijah, the people were filled with anger that they drove Jesus out of the town. One may ask, "Why did Jesus not just do miracles to avoid the commotion?" And yet, the people did not genuinely believe in Him and as such, miracles could not take place. At the same time, we should also consider reflecting on other reasons why the desires of those in Nazareth to see miracles were not fulfilled. Another reason was that God prevented the possibility of the people in Nazareth to commit greater sins. How is this the case? 

Those in Nazareth did not have a real faith on Jesus Christ. Because of this, they could simply have vain curiosity, where their desires were just motivated by their interest to see spectacular events but not to believe in the gospel of Christ. It's also possible that they were full of pride in such a way that if they witnesses the miracles of Christ, they would think of themselves as better than those in other places. After all, those in Nazareth were often judged to be "bad people", and if Jesus performed miraculous deeds, some could elevate themselves over other people. Though we may not know the thoughts in the mind of people in Nazareth, what we do know is that God has reasons why He does not fulfill our wants. One reason is because God, in His infinite wisdom, prevents a greater evil coming to us by not fulfilling our desires. For example, if someone is praying for financial stability, but he or she experiences more financial problems, this may be an opportunity to grow in holiness and dependence in God. This suffering became an instrument for this person to be more pleasing to God, and it may be the reason that if this person became more financially stable, he or she may fall to sin of greed. Even in other examples, when we desire to avoid sins, but we still fall to them, it also means that God wants us to be more humble. And, He also saves us from the sin of pride which we may have if we think that we are holy. Let's always remember to have complete trust in the providence and will of God even if things do not go in accordance to our ways. This is seen when peace reigns in our hearts no matter how difficult our situations are. It's because only God can satisfy the thirst in our hearts, not our own expectations. 

Amen +

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic

Fasting and Abstinence during Lent:

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/resource/56337/fasting-and-abstinence-during-lent

Examination of Conscience and Guide to Sacrament of Confession:

https://mycatholic.life/catholic-prayers/examination-of-conscience/

Ultimate Catholic Parents Guide:

https://youtube.com/watch?v=Ls6IcexZAls

Summary and Defense of Catholic Teachings:

https://www.catholic.com/tract/pillar-of-fire-pillar-of-truth