THIS I KNOW
“They failed…to understand.” –Luke 9:45
Our human existence has limits; our minds cannot understand everything (see Lk 9:45). Our body parts wear out — eyes, ears, legs, teeth, and digestive systems (Eccl 12:2ff). Our bodies live only a limited time, seventy or eighty years “if we are strong,” and then we die (Ps 90:10).
When we know our limits, we are in a position to call upon God as our only refuge (Ps 90:1). If we fail to understand many things, at least we can know by grace that Jesus is our Savior, “the Resurrection and the Life” (Jn 11:25), and that the Church He established is the “pillar and bulwark of truth” (1 Tm 3:15).
I don’t fully understand why Jesus had to suffer such a brutal death for our sins. I don’t know why bad things happen to good people, and why evil seemingly goes unchecked. But I do know that my Redeemer lives (Jb 19:25, RSV-CE). I do know that God is “rich in mercy” and came to call sinners (Eph 2:4; Mk 2:17).
What don’t you understand? When you don’t understand, will you walk away from Jesus? (Jn 6:66) Or will you respond to Him like St. Peter: “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life” (Jn 6:68)?
PRAYER: Father, “teach us to number our days aright, that we may gain wisdom of heart” (Ps 90:12).
PROMISE: “Remember your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come.” –Eccl 12:1
PRAISE: Trying to conduct works of service bore only resentment in Maria’s heart until she met Jesus and sat at His feet. Out of that love, her new sense of service flourished.
