Seek and fulfill God’s will in your daily life
Seek and fulfill God’s will in your daily life.
My food is to fulfill the will of My Father
John 4:34. In this verse, Jesus says, “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.” This statement is profound and offers much for reflection.
Context of the Passage
This verse occurs during Jesus’ encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well. After speaking with her and revealing his identity as the Messiah, Jesus’ disciples return and urge him to eat something. In response, Jesus makes this statement about his “food” being to fulfill the Father’s will.
Reflection
- Spiritual Nourishment: Jesus is indicating that His true sustenance—the thing that truly gives Him life and strength—is doing the will of the Father. This is a powerful reminder that spiritual nourishment comes from aligning our lives with God’s will. Just as food sustains our physical bodies, doing God’s will sustains our spiritual life.
- Priority of God’s Will: Jesus prioritizes the Father’s will above all else, even above physical needs. This challenges us to consider how we prioritize God’s will in our own lives. Are there areas where we might be placing our own desires or comforts above what God is calling us to do?
- Completion of God’s Work: Jesus not only seeks to do the Father’s will but to “finish his work.” This reflects a sense of mission and purpose. It encourages us to reflect on our own sense of mission—how are we contributing to God’s work in the world? Are we committed to seeing it through to completion?
Personal Application
You might take some time today to meditate on what God’s will is for you in your life right now. Consider how you can align your actions more closely with that will. Ask yourself:
- What is God’s will for me today, in my current circumstances?
- How can I find spiritual nourishment in following God’s plan?
- Is there a particular work or mission God is calling me to complete?
This passage invites us into a deeper relationship with God, where our true satisfaction comes from knowing and doing His will. I encourage you to take this reflection into your prayer time, asking the Holy Spirit to guide you in understanding and fulfilling God’s will in your life.
Life is more than food!
The statement “life is more than food, and the body more than clothing” comes from the Gospel of Luke, specifically Luke 12:23. Here, Jesus is teaching His disciples about trust in God’s providence and not being anxious about material needs. This verse closely relates to the passage from John 4:34 (“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work“) and deepens the understanding of what it means to truly live a life focused on God’s will.
Connecting the Two Passages
- Prioritizing the Spiritual Over the Material:
- In Luke 12:23, Jesus emphasizes that life encompasses much more than just the physical needs of food and clothing. He encourages His disciples to trust in God’s provision rather than being consumed by worries about material necessities.
- In John 4:34, Jesus exemplifies this teaching by showing that His true “food”—what truly sustains Him—is doing the will of the Father. This highlights that spiritual nourishment is far more important and fulfilling than physical sustenance.
- Trust in Divine Providence:
- In Luke 12, Jesus is teaching about the importance of trusting God for all our needs. He points out that if God takes care of the birds and the flowers, how much more will He care for us, His children? This trust frees us from anxiety and allows us to focus on what truly matters—our relationship with God and living out His will.
- This idea is mirrored in John 4:34, where Jesus shows that His sustenance comes from fulfilling God’s will. It’s an example of complete trust in the Father’s plan and provision, even beyond the physical needs.
- A Life Oriented Toward God’s Kingdom:
- Both passages direct us toward a life that seeks first the Kingdom of God. In Luke 12, Jesus later says, “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well” (Luke 12:31). This means that when we prioritize God’s will, everything else will fall into place.
- Jesus’ statement in John 4:34 can be seen as a living example of this principle. His entire life and mission are centered on the Kingdom of God, and He finds His fulfillment and purpose in that, rather than in earthly concerns.
Personal Reflection
These passages challenge us to examine our own lives and priorities:
- Where is our focus? Are we more concerned with our material needs, or are we seeking first the Kingdom of God?
- Do we trust in God’s provision? Can we let go of our anxieties about daily needs, trusting that God will provide, so we can focus on His will for us?
- What sustains us? Are we looking for fulfillment in temporary, material things, or are we finding our true nourishment in doing God’s will?
Both passages encourage us to lift our gaze from the worries of this world and to focus on what truly matters: living in alignment with God’s will and trusting in His providential care. This is where we find true life and fulfillment, much deeper than what food, clothing, or any material possession can offer.
Life is to do the will of the Father
Yes, exactly! That is a profound and succinct way to summarize the message of these passages. Life, in its truest and most meaningful sense, is about doing the will of the Father.
When Jesus speaks of life being more than food and the body more than clothing (Luke 12:23), and when He says that His “food” is to do the will of the Father (John 4:34), He is pointing us to a deeper understanding of what it means to truly live.
Key Insights:
- True Life: True life is not just about physical existence or meeting our material needs. It is about aligning ourselves with God’s purpose and living in accordance with His will. This is where we find our true fulfillment and purpose.
- Purpose and Mission: Jesus lived His life completely oriented toward fulfilling the Father’s will. This gives us a model to follow. Our own lives find their deepest meaning when we seek to know and do what God desires for us.
- Spiritual Nourishment: Just as physical food sustains the body, doing God’s will sustains and nourishes the soul. When we live in harmony with God’s will, we experience a deeper, spiritual satisfaction that transcends our physical needs.
Application to Our Lives:
- Seek God’s Will: Make it a daily practice to seek God’s will in your life. This can be through prayer, reading Scripture, and being attentive to how God might be guiding you in your circumstances.
- Trust in God: Trust that God will provide for your needs as you focus on fulfilling His will. This trust frees you from the anxiety of material concerns and allows you to live more fully for God.
- Live with Purpose: Understand that your true purpose and identity are found in doing the will of the Father. This gives direction and meaning to every aspect of your life.
In essence, life is indeed about doing the will of the Father. This is where we find our true calling, our deepest joy, and our eternal purpose.
Clues and a meditation on how to discern the will of the Father
Discerning the will of the Father is a central aspect of the Christian spiritual journey, and it’s something that many saints, including St. Ignatius of Loyola, have deeply reflected on. The process of discernment involves prayer, reflection, and attentiveness to the movements of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Below, I’ll offer some clues and a meditation to guide you in discerning God’s will.
Clues for Discerning the Will of the Father
- Prayerful Relationship with God:
- The foundation of discernment is a deep, ongoing relationship with God through prayer. Regular prayer opens our hearts and minds to God’s voice. In prayer, ask God to reveal His will to you and to give you the grace to follow it.
- Scripture:
- God often speaks to us through Scripture. Reading and meditating on the Bible helps us understand God’s desires for humanity and for us personally. Pay attention to passages that resonate with you, and ask how they might apply to your current situation.
- Inner Peace:
- St. Ignatius of Loyola spoke about the importance of “consolation” (feelings of peace, joy, and love) and “desolation” (feelings of unease, anxiety, and turmoil) in discernment. When you are considering a decision or path, notice the inner movements of your heart. God’s will often aligns with a sense of peace, even if the path is challenging.
- Alignment with God’s Commandments and Teachings:
- God’s will never contradicts His commandments or the teachings of the Church. Reflect on whether your choices are in line with the principles of love, truth, and justice as taught by Jesus and the Church.
- Desires Placed by God:
- Sometimes, God’s will is revealed through our deepest and most noble desires. These are desires that lead us toward greater love of God and neighbor. Reflect on the desires that bring you closer to God and help you serve others.
- Advice from Trusted Spiritual Advisors:
- Seek counsel from a spiritual director, priest, or trusted mentor. They can offer wisdom, perspective, and confirmation of what you are discerning. God often speaks to us through the advice of others.
- Circumstances and Opportunities:
- God can also guide us through the circumstances of our lives. Reflect on the opportunities and challenges before you. Sometimes, doors open or close in a way that indicates a direction.
Meditation on Discerning the Will of the Father
Find a quiet place where you can pray and meditate without distractions. Sit comfortably, take a few deep breaths, and invite the Holy Spirit to guide you.
1. Invocation:
- Begin by invoking the Holy Spirit: “Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful and enkindle in them the fire of your love. Send forth your Spirit, and they shall be created. And You shall renew the face of the earth.”
2. Reflect on God’s Love:
- Spend a few moments reflecting on God’s immense love for you. He created you, redeemed you, and calls you by name. Trust that He desires only the best for you.
3. Consider Your Current Situation:
- Bring to mind any decisions, questions, or areas of your life where you are seeking God’s will. Be honest about your hopes, fears, and desires.
4. Listen to Scripture:
- Slowly read a passage of Scripture that speaks to discernment. For example, you might reflect on Luke 1:38 (Mary’s “Yes” to God), Matthew 26:39 (Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane), or 1 Samuel 3:10 (“Speak, Lord, for your servant is listening“).
- As you read, notice any words or phrases that stand out to you. How might God be speaking to you through these words?
5. Ask for Guidance:
- Pray directly to God, asking Him to reveal His will for you. “Lord, what do you want me to do? Show me the path you desire for me, and grant me the courage to follow it.“
6. Be Attentive to Movements of the Heart:
- In the silence, pay attention to any feelings of peace, joy, or clarity that arise. These may be signs of consolation, indicating that you are in line with God’s will. Alternatively, notice any feelings of anxiety, confusion, or discomfort—these could be signs of desolation, prompting you to reconsider.
7. Imagine the Outcome:
- Picture yourself following through with the choice you are discerning. How do you feel? Is there a sense of peace or unease? What fruits might this decision bear in your life and in the lives of others?
8. Offer a Prayer of Surrender:
- End your meditation by surrendering your will to God. You might pray the Suscipe prayer of St. Ignatius: “Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will, all I have and possess. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace, that is enough for me.“
After the Meditation
Take some time to write down any insights or feelings that emerged during your meditation. Over the coming days, continue to pray and reflect on what you discerned. Remember that discernment is often a process, not a single moment. Be patient and trust that God will guide you as you remain open to His will.
If you feel uncertain, continue to seek clarity through prayer, the sacraments, and spiritual guidance. The key is to remain close to God, trusting that He will reveal His will to you in His perfect time.
