We live on the shadow of a greater love, the love of the Father who provides for us and sustains us. He is always offering us plenty of opportunities and advising us to avoid certain ones. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and the Psalmist tells us in Psalm 104:29 – “If you take away their breath they perish”. Such is the frailty of our life in the hands of our maker. When we are aware of this we will make adjustments and live in obedience and love. It is crucial for us to remind ourselves that God made us and our destiny is in his hands. When I have a fear of an impending problem or death, I tell myself: if I die I die to you God and if I live I live to you – just as St. Paul said. I am not abandoned and I am not orphaned. I belong to the Father who is always there for me. The Gospel proclamation says that we cannot blame the circumstances around us because we need to be aware that from within us comes the inclination to sin. May the spring of sin be replaced by the spring of living water.

Prayer: Abba Father, I treasure your life giving Spirit in the depths of my heart. May it overcome the sinful tendencies within my soul. Amen.