If you have ever heard me preach before, you know that sometimes I will begin with the phrase, “God is good.” Then you would respond, “All the time.” And since Fr. Oswald has joined our parish, you know that he always begins his homilies with this same phrase. But it’s more than just the start of a homily or a call to attention. It is a reminder to us to praise the goodness of God – all the time – throughout our lives.
While I think it is fairly easy to praise God for his unending goodness during the times when things are good and running smoothly, it’s important to remember that God’s goodness is with us even during the tough times, when we’re hurting or struggling.
As we have been journeying through Lent, we have made our resolutions to practice some form of self-denial, such as intentionally taking more time and space for prayer and giving of our resources to the poor and the needy. But Lent is not primarily about what we do. It’s also about what God is doing within us so that we can be transformed.
Basically, it’s about opening ourselves up to God’s love and being humble enough to admit that we need God and that we need to change – even if it would be a whole lot easier to leave things as is.
And yes, along the way, we will be tested and tempted; but we will not be abandoned by our Lord – not for one second – so that we will learn to rely on God’s goodness rather than our own human nature.
No matter what happens in our lives, God promises to never abandon us. When we are discouraged, overwhelmed, suffering, or hurting, we can cling to the goodness of God and move forward, knowing God is constantly at work in our lives. Because in his goodness, he gave us the greatest gift of all – the gift of his only Son, Jesus.
Lord, thank you for loving us, just as we are. May our hearts always seek you and desire to see your goodness in all of life’s circumstances. Strengthen us to trust in you even when we cannot see what you are doing, especially when times are tough. And let all our actions, thoughts, and words, praise you for always blessing us.
That’s why we say, God is good all the time and all the time, God is good. Amen!
Are you experiencing the joy of Lent? Find out here.
