The associated reading for this reflection can be found in your Every Sacred Sunday Mass journal or online here.
I'm not proud to admit it, but I’ve undergone countless experiences where I don’t get what I want. A guy I thought could be, or I wanted to be, “the one” ghosts me. After interviewing for a job I’m excited about, I receive the dreaded email stating “we’ve decided to pursue other candidates.” Or playing basketball, I fall on my shoulder and need to sit out and attend physical therapy for months to rehab it. Because I’ve grown up in secular America in the 21st century, and comfort and “happiness” are my idols, my usual go-to response is “God, why are you punishing me and holding out on me from all these things I want that will make me happy?”
Today we read in Jeremiah and Psalm 126 about the importance of praising the Lord and rejoicing in all things, and all experiences. What if when we get discouraged, frustrated, or experience suffering in our day-to-day life, instead of complaining and blaming God for our misfortunes, we use it as a chance to praise God and rejoice in all He’s doing?
-What if instead of getting annoyed at the 3 hours’ worth of onboarding paperwork I have to fill out for my new job, I thank God for gainful employment and how He allows me to participate in working for the good of His Kingdom?
-What if instead of despairing at the thought of being single for the umpteenth year in my life, I praise God for the extra time and opportunities I have to encounter those He has placed in my life?
-I may hate washing dishes more than cleaning toilets. What if instead of rolling my eyes at the task, I thank God that he’s provided the food to eat and others in my life I get to share the meal with?
-What if instead of becoming despondent and depressed at an injury, I use it as a chance to ask God for healing, as Bartimaeus did in Mark’s Gospel?
This week, I pray God gives us opportunities to see His goodness and provision, and that He gives us the strength to choose to praise Him and rejoice in all things.
Catherine Huss is a clothing designer in Southern California, and spends her free time perfecting a homemade latte, playing beach volleyball, and writing. Her favorite conversations combine Jesus and the modern experiences of fashion, relationships, and pop culture. Say hi on Instagram or follow her most recent adventure designing swimwear at Siena and Co.