John 5:30
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and my judgment is just; because I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father
Today let us reflect upon a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey – our struggle with self-autonomy. It is a journey where we seek control over our destiny, our decisions, and our life's path. But as we strive for this control, often we find ourselves in conflict with the divine plan God has set for us.
Paul, in his letter to the Romans, wrote, "I do not
understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do"
(Romans 7:15). These words ring true for many of us. We grapple with our
desires and our actions, sometimes feeling adrift in an ocean of confusion and
strife, torn between the autonomy we crave and the submission God asks of us.
However, beloved, let us not drown in this sea of confusion.
Instead, let us remember the Almighty is our lifeguard. Our Father in heaven is
not a tyrant seeking to control our every move. His plan for us is not one of domination,
but of love, guidance, and care. He yearns for us to make choices that lead us
closer to Him, to a life of peace, joy, and eternal love.
Our struggle with self-autonomy is not a struggle against
God's will, but an invitation to understand His grace. God's grace is not about
taking away our freedom; instead, it is about empowering us to make choices
that are rooted in love, kindness, and selflessness.
In the parable of the Prodigal Son, the younger son demanded
his share of the inheritance and set off on his own path. His demand was a call
for self-autonomy. He made choices that led him away from his father. Yet, when
he returned, regretful and repentant, his father embraced him with open arms.
In his autonomy, the son learnt the significance of his father's love, grace,
and forgiveness.
We are all prodigal children, beloved. We all stray, we all
seek control, and we all return, drawn by the divine love that God extends to
us. But in our return, we realise the beauty of surrender, of trust, and of
walking hand-in-hand with God. Our self-autonomy is not a rebellion, but a
journey of self-realisation, of understanding our true selves under God's
loving gaze.
So, dear ones, as we navigate through our struggles with
self-autonomy, let us not view it as a challenge, but as an opportunity to
grow. Let us not see it as a fight but as a chance to know God better, to
understand His will, and to realise our potential in His grand design.
In our journey towards self-autonomy, we may stumble, fall,
and stray, but let us remember that God's grace is always awaiting our return.
Like the father of the prodigal son, He is looking out for us, ready to run
towards us and welcome us home.
May we embrace this grace, this divine love, and transform our struggle with self-autonomy into a celebration of God's boundless love for us. In His precious name, we gather, we reflect, and we grow, today and always.