By: Fr. John Jasica
FALL SERIES - GOING MY WAY
JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL
In the midst of the busy-ness, chaos and doubts in our lives—this becomes the perfect time to let Jesus take the wheel and guide us to freedom, grace and peace. Only Jesus can do this for us—so we need to stop being the driver surrendering control to Christ who never disappoints us. The focus of the message series will explore the following:
- Everything is so much better when we let Jesus lead us.
- When we get lost or overwhelmed, we let Jesus take the wheel.
- Together with Christ, we build our lives and share the Good News that benefits all.
INSPIRED BY A SONG
The title for this message series comes from a country song by Carrie Underwood. The chorus of the song expresses this call for all of us to surrender control, rely on the Lord and ask for another chance to trust Him.
Jesus, take the wheel
Take it from my hands
‘Cause I can’t do this on my own
I’m letting go
So give me one more chance
And save me from this road I’m on
Jesus, take the wheel
HOMILY #1 - THE NEED FOR FORGIVENESS
Last weekend I reflected on the generous love and mercy that God has for us that brings healing, mercy forgiveness and connection. We all need love and forgiveness in our lives yet while seeking this from God, we often times fail to offer it to others. Our hearts will remain locked from healing if we do not seek mercy, love and forgiveness from others. These two go hand in hand. When we desire God’s mercy and are willing to forgive others—healing happens in our lives and for those around us. Forgiveness truly lets Jesus take the wheel bringing us to reconciliation, grace and a true sense of community.
HOMILY #2 - GOING GOD’S WAY
This weekend I am reflecting on the grace and challenge of going God’s way and not our own. If we want to let Jesus take the wheel we cannot be a back seat driver (even if we are sitting in the front). We have to trust the Lord that He will drive us to the destination that is best for us to be faithful and loving disciples. This is not easy but the readings this weekend help us understand this more.
(1) SEEK THE LORD—DON’T WAIT
The first reading from the prophet Isaiah reminds us that we need to seek the Lord while He may be found. This is not a passive experience but requires us to search for the Lord—and when we find Him—realize that God’s ways and thoughts are not the same as ours. This invites us to change and conversion. This becomes easier when we truly desire renewal, transformation and something better in our lives. We need to find Christ and place Him in the driver seat of our lives.
(2) THE ROAD OF LIFE IS THE GOSPEL
St. Paul encourages us to live our lives in a manner worthy of the Gospel of Christ as he writes to the Philippians. Again, the gift of our faith seeks to inspire us to live differently—God’s way and not our own, even though we don’t see or understand the complete picture. The gospel beckons us to live generously for others, trusting in the Lord, being thankful for graces received and always being an instrument of light and hope for the world. A challenging task that we do not do alone—Christ walks with us and we work together as a family of parishes.
(3) WE ARE STEWARDS & NOT OWNERS
The gospel this weekend reminds us that the Lord calls us to work in His vineyard as labourers and not think that we are the owner. We have a responsibility to produce a rich harvest of grace through our service and sacrifice so that everyone may benefit. God’s love is shared according to His will and not our own. We need to be mindful of not comparing our grace to that of others but rejoicing always in God’s blessings and generosity.
- How can I know and understand God’s way better?
- See the grace and mercy in those who are around me and rejoice!
- Be reminded that we are workers and stewards in the vineyard—not owners
- Rejoice, appreciate and celebrate what God has given each of us!!
