God Provides

God provides. This was the message my favorite priest gave on Monday. The Gospel was at the heart relating to faith and God doing what he does best, provide. Jesus says to Peter pertaining to the temple tax, "But that we may not offend them, go to the sea, drop in a hook, and take the first fish that comes up. Open its mouth and you will find a coin worth twice the temple tax. Give that to them for me and for you." (Matthew 17:22-27).

Upon reflection, there were certain things that came to my mind regarding God's plan and purpose in His divine provision. This past Sunday, my sister, her friend and I had the honor of bringing up the gifts at Mass. I carried the wine and I couldn't help but think of the significance of it all. Wine is a symbol for many things when it comes to Jesus' sacred blood, but I also remembering hearing that wine is God's gift of joy, plenty and generosity. Wine is a good thing and it's not just a necessity like water but an abundance more. That's how God provides, more than we can imagine and at times we can't know or imagine either.

I watched the movie Mary of Nazareth with my sister last week, and we were both impressed with how the film depicted and portrayed Mary's life and her role. The scenes displayed well her deep surrender, trust, and love for God and humility to do His will. It also highlighted her 7 sorrows and her many crosses of misunderstandings, loneliness, and uncertainty when it came to Jesus' ministry and after Joseph passed away. God provided for Mary and her trust, faith, and hope in His plan and timing was an added response to that. God provided for us in giving us Mary as the new Eve throughout her life and especially through Jesus' sufferings on the cross, when he stated to John, 'Behold, your Mother.' This wasn't said just to John but meant for all of us, all of humanity. This is relevant since tomorrow is the feast of Mary's Assumption.

Yesterday, my dear sister and brother-in-law celebrated their 3rd Wedding Anniversary. It was so special to be a witness to their wedding ceremony and reception in El Salvador, and to watch their love story unfold in God's beautiful timing. To see God provide for my sister and their marriage is a powerful, hopeful and joyful thing to witness.

The coin in the fish's mouth is an odd, and even funny thing. God has a sense of humor and a way of providing that usually exceeds our expectations and predictions since life isn't predictable. And that's important to note, we aren't in control, God is. And He has a specific plan and will provide in His own unique, awesome, and beautiful way.