Daily Devotion

“Do not seek external things to please me, but only seek that my heart accords with Heaven.”

Matteo Ricci · Twenty-Five Words

Scripture

Mark 14:36 ​​He said, “Abba, Father, you are all-powerful; take this cup away from me. Yet may your will be done, not my will.”

Reflection

Matteo Ricci's maxims and Jesus' prayer in Gethsemane serve as a mirror, reflecting the weaknesses within us. When facing life's difficulties or the challenges of ministry, our instinct often leads us to seek external things to go our way—hoping for a change in circumstances and a smoother path ahead. However, true faith is not about making God obey our commands, but about surrendering our will to His sovereignty. Jesus, facing the excruciating pain of the cross, though experiencing physical trembling, made the most perfect submission. This reminds me that a mature spiritual life lies not in whether circumstances are favorable, but in whether our hearts are in harmony with God. Letting go of the desire for absolute control over the situation and willingly saying, "Your will be done," is the beginning of true inner peace.