Surrender Your Control to Jesus' Will

Twenty-fifth Sunday in

Ordinary Time

19 September 2021 

 

First Reading: WIS 2:12, 17-20

Responsorial Psalm: PS 54:3-4, 5, 6 and 8

Second Reading: JAS 3:16-4:3

Gospel: MK 9:30-37

 

Reflection

By: Theresa Ballo

 

Imagine that you are one with the disciples following Jesus and you hear from Him how He would suffer yet you see calmness as he laid out all the negative things that will happen to Him in this journey, wouldn't we be exactly like the disciples questioning a lot of things? In your heart, there's a belief that you are actually following a man who performed wondrous miracles. Will you express your doubts? I felt the hesitations from these disciples in controlling themselves to ask questions to Jesus. They cannot understand why the Son of God, all powerful that He is, would accept suffering and even death on the cross.

Maybe just like the disciples, we also fail to really listen to Jesus. We only focus ourselves on suffering and death where in fact He also speaks about His resurrection. Sometimes we think that asking questions would make us stupid and uninformed. We are too proud of ourselves to acknowledge vulnerability. We seek answers but are reluctant to do things that will give clarity to our confusion by simply asking a question.

The good news we have today is that in many moments of our lives, we are like the child Jesus carried. Most of the time, we do not understand or do not know many things happening around us. Jesus holding a child, the ultimate symbol of not knowing, not understanding, immature and underdeveloped but one who would completely trust and believe his caregiver. And that I think is the invitation, no matter how big or small our questions in this life. It is only in the eyes of a child that we see wonder. It is only through wonder that we can feel the glory and greatness of the Father. We need not to fear because we are in the presence of our Savior. A quote would say, "perfect love casts out all fear."

Forget our selfish ego. Forget pride. Forget being in control. Arise each day. If some things in your life are difficult, just breathe. Breathe in the Holy Spirit's air that someone is taking care of you. Be aware of the many you can be thankful for in the day, but ultimately leave it to God to make it happen. This spiritual struggle of being in control and letting go is a tug-of-war with our own ego. All our stories are coming true, and that for me is the Good News. I once told my mentees, do not get distracted by focusing on getting it right all the time. Step back, come back and continue your journey, your story. Be humble. Allow Jesus to come into our lives. Continue self-emptying, by giving to others, so later on, God can fill us up with His glory and power. Are you ready to humble yourself and serve as Jesus did?

Prayer

 

Lord Jesus, by Your cross You have revealed Your glory and triumph over the sin and death. May I never fail to see Your glory and victory in the cross. Help me to lessen my need for control and surrender my life to Your will so I can follow in Your way of holiness. Amen.