OUR LADY OF LOURDES

It is not good for the man to be alone. 

From childhood, we have heard the story of how God took a rib from Adam’s side and fashioned Eve from that rib. “It is not good for the man to be alone,” God says (Genesis 2:18). God knew Adam’s need, as a human creature, for a suitable partner, a companion and equal, and he satisfied that need. But he did a lot of creating before he fashioned Eve. He made all kinds of birds and animals as well.

Now surely God knew that the rhinoceros and the ostrich would not make suitable partners for man; that sheep, goats, and oxen, however useful, were not actually the kind of companion Adam would need most. Adam’s longing was for someone like himself who could offer friendship and human companionship. But God knew that Adam would need all kinds of help in order to cultivate and care for the garden. And so he went above and beyond Adam’s primary need and gave him far more than he asked for or imagined.

This is how God deals with us too. Sometimes you ask God to provide for something you need—something powerful like a horse or nutritious like a bunch of fruit trees—and you find a rhino on your doorstep instead, or maybe a sweet woolly lamb. Did God get confused? Is he refusing the good thing you asked for and giving you something else? Of course not. God knows what you need before you ask him (Matthew 6:8). It’s quite possible he is giving you something he knows that you need even before you know to ask for it.

Tell God today that you believe in his love and care for you. He knows all your needs, and he wants to give you every good thing to meet those needs. If you have asked him for something and think he hasn’t answered you, reread today’s first reading (Genesis 2:18-25). Ponder God’s response to Adam’s need for a suitable companion, and then ask the Holy Spirit to show you how he is answering you. Refuse to entertain thoughts that say God doesn’t hear, doesn’t care, or won’t respond. Declare aloud your trust in his wisdom and timing for your life. (Then ask him what to do with the rhinoceros!)

“Father, I believe in your perfect love for me!”

Psalm 128:1-5
Mark 7:24-30
Genesis 2:18-25

WORD AMONG US