Collect taken from Thirty-Second Week of Ordinary Time.
Collect: Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity, so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son…
“Almighty and merciful God, graciously keep from us all adversity,“
– There is nothing wrong with asking God to make our lives easier. He does care for us and prayers for a better life are not wasted. But, that prayer has to keep in mind the wider perspective.
“so that, unhindered in mind and body alike, we may pursue in freedom of heart the things that are yours.“
– We immediately move on to that wider perspective, which is that all things work for the glory of God. The prayer reveals that the reason we want to avoid adversity is not for it’s own sake. We are not looking just for our own comfort, but for the freedom to pursue the things of God.
Questions & Advice: Why do you want to avoid trouble in your life? Do you look to God in difficult times? Do you thank God for the good times?
Read about the Beatitudes and our ultimate end in the Catechism (1716-29). If there is some particular adversity or struggle in your life, spend some time reflecting on why you want to be free of it. Pray for God to help you with the trial, to help you keep the right goal in mind, and to help you accept that you don’t always know which circumstances are best for your soul. Use a simple prayer of trust like “Jesus, I trust in you” both when you ask for his help and in response to his answer.