I pray often, “Lord, I do not always know well what I must do in my life. Please help me be open to your will for me and mine today.” In our humble acceptance of God’s will and our openness to his ways, we consciously cooperate toward fulfilling his plans. By being open and willing, we allow ourselves to be molded into God’s instruments of grace, the same as the potter molds the clay.

We are creatures of habit. I pray every morning, and it is a special time for me, but if someone comes to my door during that time, I know I must answer it. The call of charity overrides my desire for that time apart from the world. In the moment of decision on whether to answer the door or not, I have learned to surrender to God’s will for me in the now.

If sometimes we must give up on a cherished custom so that we can attend to a person in need, then that is God’s will for us on that occasion. We must not become closed around ourselves; instead, we must be open to giving God’s love to those who need us.

Busyness is not the goal. Faithful openness and willingness are the goals so we may become God’s gracious servants whenever and wherever we are needed.

“… Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand…” (Jeremiah 18:6)

Never must we be more open of mind and spirit than during Eucharistic communion. May we, at that time of perfect union, receive the docility and willingness necessary to go and be Christ’s hands in the world.

Let us pray:

Lord, help us be open and willing to your will for us so that your very hands may mold us into your instruments of grace in the world. Amen.