God Works for Good

Friday, March 27, 2009 -- Week of 4 Lent, Year One
Charles Henry Brent

Today's Readings for the Daily Office (Book of Common Prayer, p. 954)
Psalms 95* & 102 (morning) 107:1-32 (evening)
Jeremiah 23:1-8
Romans 8:28-39
John 6:52-59 *for the Invitatory

There are various ways to read Paul's claim that "We know that all things work together for good for those who love God..." Some ancient manuscripts read, "God makes all things work together for good," or "In all things God works for good."

I am reminded of the spirituality of Jean Pierre de Caussade, a 19th century spiritual director. At the center of his teaching was his admonition that we abandon ourselves to Divine Providence. He claimed that God continually is working to bring about the best possible situation in every moment. Of course God is limited by the choices and actions of human beings and by the constraints of creation. But within those constraints, the present moment is the best that it can be, claims Caussade. He tell us to accept this moment as the container for God's presence with us right now. He tells us not to use any energy judging our present circumstances. Radically accept that God is doing God's best in this moment.

Now is the only time or place when we can know God, to be with God, and to do God's bidding. Therefore when we accept whatever is happening as the "Sacrament of the Present Moment" we experience the presence of God here and now. The container for God-with-us is the circumstance we presently live in. Surrender joyfully to the "now," says Caussade. The past is gone; the future has not come; we can only know God in the present, therefore, radically accept the present.

Within that context of acceptance, the only question now is: "What is God's will for me in this present moment?" If we are doing God's will, life is whole. Right here, right now. It doesn't get better than living within God's will in the present moment. When we do God's will in the present moment, we are holy; we are doing everything we can do to contribute to the Kingdom of God.

Ahh, but what is God's will for me in the present moment? De Caussade says that it is very simple. The will of God for us can only be one of three things: (1) to do some present duty, (2) to enjoy something, or in the darker mystery of God, occasionally (3) to suffer something. He suggests that our intuition will tell us which of the three is God's will for us in each present moment. Simply be aware and conscious, asking deeply what God wills, and it will be given to you.

According to Caussade, this is the key to the good life: Accept the present. Do God's will in this moment.

Living in such a way, Caussade says that we can live with full confidence and peace, knowing that you are in union with God in Christ. No regrets about the past; no worries about the future; only the solid ground of faith in the present moment, trusting that "all things work together for good for those who love God" and that "God makes all things work together for good; in all things God works for good."

How can I participate in that work right now?

Lowell

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About Morning Reflections
Morning Reflections is a brief thought about the scripture readings from the Daily Office of Morning and Evening Prayer according to the practice found in the Book of Common Prayer of the Episcopal Church.

Morning Prayer begins on p. 80 of the Book of Common Prayer.
Evening Prayer begins on p. 117

An online resource for praying the Daily Office is found at www.missionstclare.com
Another form of the office from Phyllis Tickle's "Divine Hours" is available on our partner web site www.ExploreFaith.org at this location -- http://explorefaith.org/prayer/fixed/index.html


The Mission of St. Paul's Episcopal Church
is to explore and celebrate
God's infinite grace, acceptance, and love.

Visit our web site at www.stpaulsfay.org

Our Rule of Life

We aspire to...
worship weekly
pray daily
learn constantly
serve joyfully
live generously.

Lowell Grisham, Rector

St. Paul's Episcopal Church
Fayetteville, Arkansas