As we all know, things do not always go the way we had planned. In the morning, we intend to accomplish something before the end of the day, but somehow it does not happen. On a grander scale, we might have had some plan for our lives that has not materialized for whatever reason. Such experiences can cause despair, or we can respond in various ways and move beyond disappointment or frustration.
Jesus' plans for Himself and His followers did not always work out. As we just heard in today's Gospel story, He planned to take them away to a deserted place for a time of quiet prayer and reflection because they had been so busy they barely had time to eat or to pray. However, when they arrived at that deserted place, it had become crowded with people who arrived there before them.
Jesus' response to His plans being hindered was not anger or resentment. Instead, "His heart was moved with pity for them... and He began to teach them many things." His plans needed to be changed because something happened that fit into God's larger plan.
Any time our plans go astray, something better can replace them if we are flexible and open to other possibilities, to something greater than our own will. God's plan is always more crucial than our plans. Whenever we have to put aside our own goals and dreams, we must pray that the LORD's life-giving purpose for our lives will prevail.+
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