The problem with expectation is it often leads to disappointment and confusion. This weekend I prayed with Matthew 11:2-6. It’s the Gospel where John the Baptist is in prison and sends his disciples to ask Jesus if He is, in fact, the long awaited Messiah. What kind of question is that, coming from John the Baptist? Is he not the one who was preparing the way of the Lord? Indeed he is but the problem was Jesus did not fit his expectation. He expected fiery judgment but Jesus was just the opposite – meek and humble, compassionate and merciful. Praise be to God for our sakes!

How often are we disappointed if things don’t turn out the way we expect? That got me thinking about what we expect of our loved ones. Specifically, it got me thinking of the expectation we have for their spiritual lives. Thanks be to God that he made us all different and, because of that, our journeys are all different too. Why do we expect our loved ones to do what we do and journey as we do? Why do we fret if they don’t? Do we doubt that Jesus has gone and prepared a place for them just as he has for us? Are we doubting Jesus’ words that not one of His little ones will be lost?

This Scripture verse is calling us out of our heads and back into our hearts where Jesus resides. It’s calling us to trust His words and His ways. Want consolation? Listen to the meditations of this rosary and then trust that God is working in ways we don’t expect. All we have to do is stay out of the way! God bless you.