From today’s New Testament reading, from Romans: ‘We know that in everything God works for good with those who love him, who are called according to his purpose’.

St John Chrysostom commented: ‘When Paul speaks of “all things” [‘everything’] he mentions even the things that seem painful. For if tribulation, or poverty, or imprisonment, or famines, or deaths or anything else should come upon us, God can change them into the opposite. For this is one instance of his ineffable power, that he can make painful things appear light to us and turn them into things which can be helpful. Paul talks about being called “according to his purpose” in order to show that the calling itself is not enough…. The calling was not forced on anyone, nor was it compulsory. Everyone was called, but not everyone obeyed the call …’

God gives us the freedom to respond to His call, or not. Our Lady did, and from her was born the world’s Redeemer.  In the choices that God puts before us this day, may we indeed choose for God’s will, saying with Mary, ‘Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to thy word’. May God bless you richly this day as you seek to know and follow His will.