This Sunday’s reading comes from Paul’s letter to the Romans. Paul doesn’t try to resolve the mystery of the wisdom of God. A few lines later, he answers it the only way he can — with surrender:

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How inscrutable are his judgments and how unsearchable his ways!” (Romans 11:33)

“For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Amen.” (Romans 11:36)

Two prayers, written centuries apart by two different saints, answer that same marvel with the same response: a surrender.

Prayer of Abandonment — Charles de Foucauld

“Father, I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will. Whatever you may do, I thank you: I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures — I wish no more than this, O Lord.”

Suscipe — St. Ignatius of Loyola

“Take, Lord, and receive all my liberty, my memory, my understanding, and my entire will — all I have and call my own. You have given all to me. To you, Lord, I return it. Everything is yours; do with it what you will. Give me only your love and your grace; that is enough for me.”

This week, try praying one of them as your own.

(For the 21st Sunday in Ordinary Time, 2026)