Thy Will Be Done

Gospel Reflection 12/1/2022

Christ acknowledged His Father in Heaven, and in today's Gospel, we might stumble a bit when Jesus says, "Not everyone who says to me, ''Lord, Lord,'' will enter the Kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven."

Jesus explained here that our righteousness is not only in obeying specific laws externally or having a certain bloodline but instead striving toward the perfection of our heavenly Father. It is evident from Jesus' words that to enter the kingdom of heaven, one must not be so concerned about their own will but instead seek the will of the Father. Jesus reflects this importance throughout scripture, "Not my will but yours be done" (Lk 22:42).

For many of us, understanding God's will for our lives takes effort. While I sometimes struggle with my will and wrestle with God about how my choice is correct, in the end, I always realize God's love brings what is necessary and proper for my life. Prayer is one of the ways to discern God's will as it deepens our relationship with Christ, who wants us to become humble. He wants us to see that our virtue depends not on our work alone but through His grace. St. John Chrysostom writes that Christ commands each of the faithful who prays to do so universally for the whole world. For he did not say, "thy will be done in me or in us," but "on earth, the whole earth so that that error may be banished from it, truth take root in it, all vice be destroyed on it, virtue flourish on it, and earth no longer differ from heaven.[1]

During this first week of Advent, seek to find God's will and purpose for your life. Are you taking some time for silence in order to let Him guide you? Stay in prayer, fasting, and confession during this Holy season, and spend time with the blessed sacrament. This will help in spiritual discernment and understanding God's will.

"By prayer, we can discern "what is the will of God" and obtain the endurance to do it. Jesus teaches us that one enters the kingdom of heaven not by speaking words but by doing "the will of my Father in heaven." (CCC 2826)

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Reference:

 [1] St. John Chrysostom, Hom. in Mt. 19, 5 PG 57, 280.