Comments on: Thursday, 1/11/18 – Hope: When God Has Other Plans

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 20:43:55 +0000

I really like it when readers discuss, agreeing and disagreeing, too! Thanks, all!

Mary Ortwein

By: Mark Misencik

Mark Misencik — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 18:54:52 +0000

I like when readers comment on what other readers think, an open dialogue. I particularly like it when a reader disagrees with what is written by the author. I learn more from reading different points of view, especially a view that I have never thought about.

So, God’s specific plan and prayer, can they coexist? Sure. Think of a sailboat crossing a large lake. God’s plan is to get to the other side, prayer is the swirling wind. Sometimes it’s a straight shot across, sometimes a lot of tacking is required.

There are many examples in the Bible about God influencing man and man influencing God, but God’s plan has always been fulfilled and free will has never been taken away by God (you can make a case that Satan takes away free will).

So, do I agree with Jack? No. I pray. Why? As far as I know, that is the only way I can directly communicate with my Creator. Will I influence Him? I don’t know, but I hope so.
Besides, for some reason or another, I think He likes it when I pray.

Mark

By: Anonnymous

Anonnymous — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 15:36:51 +0000

When we pray it can be difficult to say, not my will, but your will be done. But I have had prayer
answered for a friend who fought cancer for seven years, because friends prayed that she would see her children have children before she passed on. Our prayers were answered and she lived to see her 2 grandchildren . And she was able to play with them ,and love them. She died a several years later, but our prayers were answered and God will was to take her home and end her suffering.

By: Steven C

Steven C — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 09:30:23 +0000

Thank you for your reflection! It helped me understand today’s readings, which had me perplexed. Your writing was very thorough and clear. God bless you for sharing your understanding with me.

By: Jericho

Jericho — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 04:17:51 +0000

Mary, you are a treasure trove. Your writing has moved me. Please continue to be a LIGHT in this world. The world needs you. And I hope I can also pass your light on to others.

Thank you!

By: A

Fri, 12 Jan 2018 04:11:43 +0000

Jack and Mark,

The best model of prayer of hope for what we want, and simultaneous trust in God’s will is Jesus Himself.

Jesus prayed to His Father, while in the garden of Gethsemane, that He would not have to undergo the torture and death that He knew were in store for Him. He prayed with hope.

In His prayer, He also said “not My will, but Yours be done.” He trusted His Father in all things, including the worst part of His life. He went through with His Father’s will for Him. He died on the Cross and was resurrected from the dead. God’s will was for life to triumph over death, and for good to triumph over evil and sin. Jesus’ trust “paid off,” even though His hopeful prayer that He wouldn’t have to go through torture and death was answered with a “no.”

So when we pray, we can pray with hope and trust, like Jesus did.

I pray for all of us to constantly be able to pray like that.

By: Kathy

Kathy — Fri, 12 Jan 2018 03:20:42 +0000

This morning when I was searching for a reflection specifically addressing the first reading of today’s Mass, yours was the first I stumbled upon…and how quickly I knew it was exactly both what I needed to read (dealing with my dad’s recent neck fusion surgery and hospitalized rehab compounded by my mom’s battle with Alzheimer’s), and what I had hoped to find to share with my son…to try to explain what I was certain he would question as a “so God really wasn’t present” moment. Rarely do I share links, but today I did yours, with a simple statement that if it made a difference in the life of just one person, it was worth it. God bless you for your ministry!

By: Mark Misencik

Mark Misencik — Thu, 11 Jan 2018 18:24:06 +0000

Hey Mary,

I love Jack. He brings up a very good point. If God has a specific plan for you, then what’s the point in prayer. In fact, free will goes out the window, everything is Fait Accompli.

Thoughts anyone?

Mark