GOD ALLOWS ONLY WHAT IS BEST FOR US

Readings: Daniel 3:14-20, 91-92; John 8:31-42

“Everyone who lives in sin is a slave of sin,” Jesus told the people. That is most certainly true. If we willingly lead a life that God forbids, and we persist in it willingly, we can become enslaved by it, addicted to it, and it becomes our god. We are then living in sin. But just because we find ourselves enslaved by something, addicted to something, it does not necessarily mean we are living in sin. Let me explain.

We all know what addictions are. Something towards which we are greatly disposed, something to which we become attached and by which we are enslaved — like people addicted to smoking, drugs, sex, money, power, you name it. When we desire our addiction, when we welcome it, when we repeatedly and regularly show hospitality to something forbidden by God, we are living in what is called the state of sin, we have separated ourselves from God.

When it is something we really don’t want but can’t seem to rid ourselves of, when it is a weakness, a frailty, an unwelcome intruder, we are not separating ourselves from God. Our relation-ship with God may not be at its best but we are not divorced from him, we are not living in the state of sin.

But welcome or unwelcome it is a form of slavery, an unpleasant state which can leave us in doubt as to who or what we really love and serve. Is it God, or is it our addiction? Deep down maybe most of us know.

During Lent those of us who wish to be free of addictions and attachments that can be dangerous to our relationship with God get serious about prayer and penance. But if the attachment continues after Lent is over, it does not mean we have failed, that our efforts have been useless, or that God has abandoned us.

In his wisdom God allows only what is best for us. As Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego were thrown into that fire King Nebuchadnezzar had prepared for them, and stayed in it as long as God permitted, they were never without God or left alone in their ordea

“Did we not cast three men bound into the fire?” asked King Nebuchadnezzar? “I see four men unfettered and unhurt, walking in the fire, and the fourth looks like a son of God.” Never give up working on yourself no matter how long it takes or how hot the fire gets. Realize you are never alone. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is right there with you grasping your hand. Blessed be God!