Sometimes, it is for our good (Wednesday, Week 4, Year 1, St Blaise, Feb 03)

There’s a proverb which says: SPOIL THE ROD AND SPARE THE CHILD! It’s natural for children to be restive (always running around and breaking minor household and school rules). The fact that this is a natural tendency in children does not mean that parents should rest on their oars. When necessary, discipline must be instilled. If not, the child may grow up to be something else. That is why the rod must be spoilt in order to spare the child. We are God’s children. Isn’t it necessary that as God’s children we go through some discipline for our spiritual and moral growth?  

In the light of the above, the Letter to the Hebrews highlights: “My child, do not regard lightly the discipline of the Lord, or lose heart when you are punished by him; for the Lord disciplines those whom he loves, and chastises every child whom he accepts” (Heb 12:5-6). The question is: Why must we endure discipline? As a response, Hebrews says: "Now, discipline always seems painful rather than pleasant at the time, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it” (Heb 12:11). This should be our consolation when we are being disciplined with challenges and trials.

Sometimes, we may be insulted, verbally abused, falsely accused, neglected, and treated unfairly. We may feel broken and become psychologically displaced by such experiences. We must do our best to address every act of injustice. But that does not override the fact that God may be making a way for us or working out something for our good even as we undergo pains and go through challenges. When we approach challenges of life with positive mindsets, they can provide veritable platforms for our personal growth.

 

As for challenges and trials, Christ was never spared. Despite the efforts and huge successes he recorded, he was despised by his country people just because they knew his background (cf. Mk 6:1-3). Imagine how Christ must have felt when He was despised by his people! But despite all that, “…he went about among the villages teaching” (Mk 6:6). He was never discouraged. He went about doing good. In fact, those challenges must have spurred Him to do more.

There is saying attributable to my spiritual director: “Bitter times, better times”. We must learn to think positively and see things differently. Yes, trials and chastisement must surely come but how we perceive or handle them matters a lot. To some people, trials are obstacles to greatness; but to some others, they are stepping stones to greatness, success and growth. It depends on mindset and level of faith. Let us continue to be good no matter how distressing our situation may be. Remember: your endurance must surely “yield peaceful fruit of righteousness” (Heb 12:11) in your life!

Prayer:

As gold is refined in fire, so are we in the fire of trials. Lord, help me to see the "GOOD" in every unpleasant situation and help me to GROW THROUGH it as I GO THROUGH it, Amen!

Have a blessed day!