Reading and meditation on the Word of God on Wednesday of the second week of Lent, March 4th, 2026

Delivered by Vina Kuesal from the Holy Trinity Parish in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, Australia. Jeremiah 18: 18-20; Rs psalm 31: 5-6.14.15-16; Matthew 20: 17-28.MOTIVATION GROWTH INTHE FOLLOWING OF GOD'S WILL Our meditation today isentitled: Motivation Growth in the Following of God's Will. Jesus' question tothe mother of the two apostles from the Zebedee's family: “What do you want?”is the entrance to the understanding on the compatibility between the will ofGod and the desire of men to follow Him. Jesus' vision for the salvation ofmankind, through the way of the cross and suffering, attracted the attention ofmany followers, including the two apostles. Like other disciples, many otherfollowers, and also we who are now listening to His words, this attractionreinforces our motivation to follow Christ. Through attraction asan initial stage which brings to the faith and ability to follow Him, asuitability would be a good outcome. The Lord wills in this direction and weheed His call then follow Him. Expressions like "I like" or "I'minterested" or "I am ready, I want" is usually our response tothe call and invitation of the Lord. For example, when the preaching of theword of God really gives new insight and inspiration, someone then exclaimed:"Yes, I realize in myself and I agree to what God wishes from me".This expression indicates the suitability that has been just mentioned. This initial stagethen leads us to the next one, which is the motivation that drives one'sinterest and love. We don't have from the beginning just only one motivation.We need to check that initial motivation and to ensure that it is stilloriginal or remain as such for enhancing the suitability, or has indeedchanged. One's motivation can change along with the change of times and one'sown desire. Every individual's freedom is to be influenced by circumstances andsurroundings that will affect one's motivation to follow the will of the Lord.In friendship or collaboration in doing a project of work, there is noguarantee for a lasting compatibility and suitability. Everyone's motivationcan change any time that eventually break up friendship or collaboration. Our two readingstoday speak about the change of motivation in the following of God's will. Whenthe change is known to bring oneself or others away from the path of the Lord,it will be definitely rebuked by the Lord. The prophet Jeremiah was strongly confrontedby those who sought to destroy him. God was on his side and he did not doubtabout it. But at the same time, he requested that God should does him harm and declinepunishment on his opponents. The two brothers of Zebedee's family agreed tofollow Christ, but they were encouraged to find a special and precious place inthe Kingdom of God. So it should be clearfor us all here. As we constantly examine our motivation to believe and to befaithful to Christ, we will find that there is a change of our motivation inthe course of time. Our liturgical readings today show that the changes of motivationhappen in order to prioritize the interests for one's own satisfaction, and notfor the following of God's will. We know very well the consequences for thosewho do not follow the will of the Lord.Let's pray. In the name of the Father... Lord Jesus Christ, increase our faith that we may have the right motivationin the path to follow you. Our Father who art in heaven ... In the name of theFather and of the Son ...