The Blessings of A Life Is Put In Motion

Prayer-Soldier

The Blessings of A Life Is Put In Motion

Scripture:

Give ear, you islands, and hearken, you people from afar. The Lord has called me from the womb, from the depths of my mother he has been mindful of my name. And he has made my mouth like a sharp sword: in the shadow of his hand he has protected me, and has made me as a chosen arrow: in his quiver he has hidden me. And he said to me: You are my servant Israel, for in you will I glory. And I said: I have labored in vain, I have spent my strength without cause and in vain: therefore my judgment is with the Lord, and my work with my God. And now says the Lord, that formed me from the womb to be his servant, that I may bring back Jacob unto him, and Israel will not be gathered together: and I am glorified in the eyes of the Lord, and my God is made my strength.

And he said: It is a small thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to convert the dregs of Israel. Behold, I have given you to be the light of the Gentiles, that you may be my salvation even to the farthest part of the earth.
(Isaiah 49:1-6)

And when he had removed him, he raised them up David to be king: to whom giving testimony, he said: I have found David, the son of Jesse, a man according to my own heart, who shall do all my wills. Of this man's seed God according to his promise, has raised up to Israel a Savior, Jesus: John first preaching, before his coming, the baptism of penance to all the people of Israel. And when John was fulfilling his course, he said: I am not he, whom you think me to be: but behold, there comes one after me, whose shoes of his feet I am not worthy to loose.

Men, brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and whosoever among you fear God, to you the word of this salvation is sent.
( Acts 13:22-28 )

Now Elizabeth's full time of being delivered was come, and she brought forth a son. And her neighbors and kinsfolks heard that the Lord had showed his great mercy towards her, and they congratulated with her. And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child, and they called him by his father's name Zachary. And his mother answering, said: Not so; but he shall be called John.

And they said to her: There is none of your kindred that is called by this name. And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. And demanding a writing table, he wrote, saying: John is his name. And they all wondered. And immediately his mouth was opened, and his tongue loosed, and he spoke, blessing God. And fear came upon all their neighbors; and all these things were noised abroad over all the hill country of Judea.

And all they that had heard them laid them up in their heart, saying: What then, think you, shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.

And the child grew, and was strengthened in spirit; and was in the deserts until the day of his manifestation to Israel.
(Luke 1:57-66, 80)

Reflection:

For each life which God allows to be conceived, there is a purpose. This includes our own. Some are immortalized in scripture as examples of how God works through the children of His creation, but we must realize, every life which is conceived was designed by God to influence that of another. The question, though, is that with the gift of freewill, will we allow our purpose to fulfill the will of God?

Not all mothers recognize the blessing of life which God allows to be formed within their womb. They do not always ponder what may come of the child and what works the child may be called by God to perform. Some are pressured by other thoughts and the judgmental who surround them. Others fear their own role in raising the child or their fitness to do so. Perhaps such mothers have not considered the purpose for which God created them, perhaps one of raising a child for which God has special plans.

Scripture records little of the parents of King David, but what God allowed to be conceived through them bore fruit for the generations to come. The efforts of these parents to raise their son forged David for the day God would anoint him as king. Their efforts prepared David for the work God had for him. Perhaps our life is not meant for acts of grand glory, but to prepare another so the will of God may be done.

We see life through the limits of our consciousness and our senses, but God is able to see across all the generations. We may not comprehend the meaning of a given moment, but as we look at the threads of events which transit over time, we see the roots of blessings and tragedy. What we do in any given day will influence those who surround us. As we influence another, so shall our thoughts, emotions, desires, and endeavors ripple through time. What may seem simple, such as a listening ear or a kind word, may set in motion the conditions which will ripple to another, hopefully for the blessings which God intends.

So it was, a life was brought into the world to herald the way, a voice crying out in the wilderness to make straight the paths of the Lord. So it was, a life was brought into the world, generations removed from David, but within his lineage and the moment for which God planned. So it was, through these births, prophecies were fulfilled in the plan for the salvation of all.

We are tempted to look at our own lives and believe we have nothing to contribute to the plan of God. Through our mistakes, failings, and judgments rendered by others; we are tempted to believe our purpose is of little consequence. What comes from us may not be heralded near and far or even be recorded in history, but what we share of ourselves in love of God and one another shall be remembered forever in heaven.

Each day is an opportunity before us. If we turn to God, He will guide us. If we allow Him to work through us, what comes may not be considered as memorable to the world, but heaven rejoices at all which is done according to the will of God. In prayer, let us ask Him to lead us to the purpose for which He put our life into motion. Let us not miss the opportunity to live and do according to His will and His commandments of love.

Questions for further reflection:

In what ways may we discern the purpose for which God called us from our mother's womb?

In what ways may we learn from what has happened before us so we may do the will of God?

In what ways may we turn ourselves to Him so we may do His will?

May the peace and blessings of the Lord be with you always,
Prayer Soldier