“Nicodemus answered and said to Him, ‘How can these things be?’” (John 3:9).
This question from Nicodemus reflects a common attitude among those who have difficulty accepting the supernatural. In spiritual matters, especially those of great importance, constant doubt usually has a deep root: the pride of human reason. The rationalist places himself at the center of everything, expecting God to fit within his limited logic, instead of humbly submitting to the Creator. Rather than seeking God with an open heart, he demands proofs that satisfy his personal perspective, making himself the judge of that which can only be understood by faith.
This same mentality is still present today. We judge everything based on what we already believe, refusing to accept anything that does not align with our preconceived opinions. This spiritual egocentrism makes us resistant to the truth and, even worse, to obedience. For whoever sets himself up as the judge of God’s will will hardly submit to His commandments.
This self-centered attitude is one of the main reasons why many do not obey God’s laws. Those who resist obedience naturally distance themselves from the Creator, becoming unable to experience the peace and blessings they so earnestly seek. The heart hardened by doubt and pride loses the opportunity to live fully in God’s presence. True peace and true abundance come when we stop trying to fit God into our logic and surrender to obedience, trusting that His ways are higher than ours. Only then can we experience all the good He has prepared for those who truly follow Him. –Adapted from J. H. Newman. Until tomorrow, if the Lord allows us.
Pray with me: Dear God, it is true that human reason, when guided by pride, becomes an obstacle to understanding and accepting Your will. But I know that You are greater than any human understanding, and that genuine faith is manifested in surrender and obedience, not in demanding proofs that satisfy our perspective. Teach me to trust in You without reservation, placing my confidence in Your wisdom and not in my own.
My Father, today I ask You to remove from me any trace of resistance or pride that prevents me from fully submitting to Your will. I do not want to be like those who judge Your truth based on their opinions, but rather someone who seeks You with an open and humble heart. Help me not to harden my heart before Your commandments, for I know that true peace and abundance can only be found in total obedience to You.
Oh Most Holy God, I adore and praise You because Your ways are higher than mine, and Your wisdom is perfect. Thank You because You call us not to subject ourselves to our own understanding, but to live according to Your truth, which is eternal and unchanging. Your beloved Son is my eternal Prince and Savior. Your mighty Law guides me with wisdom and truth. Each day I find joy in Your commandments. I pray in the precious name of Jesus, amen.
