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“This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us” (1John 5:14). This verse reminds us that the promise of a prayer being answered depends on the words “according to His will.” From an infinite viewpoint, God is aware of what is best in all situations. Prayers are answered inasmuch as they are in alignment with His will.Β
We are going to struggle for a long time if our petitions do not align with His will. Life on earth is not about personal advantage but the fulfilment of God’s plan. All the patriarchs and prophets of old knew this. Jesus himself prayed; “not my will but Your will be done..” (Luke 22:42); Mary said “…let it be done to me according to Your will” (Luke 1:38); in the Lord’s prayer “…Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven” (Matt.6:10). Oftentimes, we are so preoccupied with our appetite at the detriment of true and earnest prayers.Β
In the Gospel we are presented with the miracle in Cana. This was the first time Jesus publicly manifested His supernatural power. We can learn a crucial lesson from this first miracle; Jesus can provide for our needs. Our needs are met when we turn to the Lord, allowing us to pursue a closer relationship with Him even if we may not always get what we want. The things we want are idols; “Dear children, keep yourselves from idols” (1John 5:21).Β
Verse 11 of this gospel tells us that the miracle at Cana is the first of Jesus’ βsigns.β It βrevealed his glory,β and as a result βhis disciples believed in him.β By referring to Jesus’ miracles as βsigns,β John’s Gospel focuses readers’ attention on the larger eschatological truth. It shifts attention away from the miracle itself to revealing the salvation, abundance, and new life now present in the world through Jesus Christ. Prayer therefore, is not just about our requests but predominantly about God’s glory and God’s will. In His will is our peace.
Let us prayΒ
Father, have mercy and forgive us. Grant us the true knowledge of salvation that our confidence will not be based on gains but on Your will. Amen.Β
1John 5:14-21/ Ps 149/ John 2:1-11
HOMILY FOR SATURDAY 7TH JANUARY 2023
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Fr. Daniel Evbotokhai
