Ordinary Time
Think of something you want. Now think of something you need. In which of the two do you see God?
TheĀ LordĀ spoke to Moses,Ā āIāve heard the complaints of the Israelites. Tell them, āAt twilight you will eat meat. And in the morning you will have your fill of bread. Then you will know that I am theĀ LordĀ your God.āā
In the evening a flock of quail flew down and covered the camp. And in the morning there was a layer of dew all around the camp.Ā When the layer of dew lifted, there on the desert surface were thin flakes, as thin as frost on the ground.Ā When the Israelites saw it, they said to each other, āWhatĀ is it?ā They didnāt know what it was.
Moses said to them, āThis is the bread that theĀ LordĀ has given you to eat.ā
Exodus 16:11-15
Surprises are nice gestures to make a person happy. A good surprise can strengthen friendship and love between people. But being surprised on your birthday is not the same as being surprised in the school cafeteria. I was not a fan of eating lunch in the school cafeteria and even less so when they stopped sharing the menu of the day. Everything was a surprise! Is it pasta? Or is it rice? Will it be chicken or beef? It may seem silly, but I needed to know.
I believe that one of the most beautiful elements of our faith in God is that God’s provision is a surprise in advance. What do I mean? No matter how much anxiety, fear, or doubt we may have about what God will do next, our certainty is that God will do it with love. That’s a surprise in advance! God wants to surprise you with the certainty of love, the truth of mercy, and the hope of provision.
Daniel AndrƩs Rivera Rosado
Question to Ponder:
What surprise has God given you this week?
God, let me see and appreciate your provision. Help me to count your blessings and understand your surprises in my life.
Amen.
Think about what people want. Now think about what they need. In which one can you show God?