Weakness into Strength

 "That I, Paul, might not become too elated, because of the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan, to beat me, to keep me from being too elated." 2 Cor 12:7

The nature of St Paul's "thorn in the flesh" has fascinated Christians for centuries. Some believe Paul had  opponents within the early Christian community who undermined his word and authority. Others suggest he struggled with his physical appearance which he feared might distract people from hearing God's word, and, while there is little evidence in the text, there are those who believe that he suffered severe sexual temptations

My personal bias is that Paul, while writing beautifully and lyrically, suffered with a speech impediment. How difficult it is for anyone to stutter or freeze when called upon to speak in public. How much more difficult it must have been for Paul who, knowing his authority was from God, wondered why God would not allow him to speak with the same beauty with which he wrote.

Ironically, it is often the weakness of others, especially when it is accepted, that draws us to them, and while Paul admitted his struggle might be God's will, it was still painful for him to stumble so obviously before others.

In the end, however, whatever it was that troubled Paul, it is very clear to most that our weaknesses help us face our own struggles and develop the kind of compassion that draws others to faith.

Today, embrace your weakness.

Have your weaknesses ever turned into strength?

The New Wine of Jesus

 "People do not put new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise the skins burst, the wine spills out, and the skins are ruined. Rather, they pour new wine into fresh wineskins, and both are preserved.” Mt 9:16-17

When we get stuck in the past, we cannot advance the Good News, and this happens to all of us from time to time. We know this is the case when we smile at ourselves or friends who remind us that we sound just like our parents! Caught up in the way things "used to be," we fail to recognize or fully appreciate the advances that the present generation is making.

Because the Jewish community of Jesus' time was so locked into a traditional understanding and interpretation of the Torah, they could not recognize Jesus as the promised Messiah. Although Jesus continually assured them that he had no intention of changing or doing away with even the "smallest part of a letter of the law," their defenses were up and their hearts were closed to how God wanted to renew them.

A good and healthy spiritual practice finds us asking regularly, not simply what we might do to preserve God's word, but how can we advance it to a new generation. Only when the young hear our excitement for them to be the face of a new Evangelization will they be unafraid to push the Gospel forward.

Today, drink deeply of the new wine of Jesus.

Who or what has helped you appreciate the always new wine of the Gospel?

Stay Focused in Faith

 "Yes, days are coming, says the Lord GOD, when I will send famine upon the land: Not a famine of bread, or thirst for water, but for hearing the word of the LORD." Amos 8:11

Hungering for God's word and hearing nothing is something that every pilgrim experiences. Whether this happens to us when we try to discern between two goods that are set before us, or wanting to know how to act prudently in a difficult situation is not the point. That we cannot hear God is. God is clear that only when we open ourselves to God each day will we be ready for the trials that come to every person.

Amos is warning the people of Israel that unless they listen to God their punishment will be clear. They will not be able to hear God's commands and they will be lost in the wilderness of their own anxiety, a far worse fate than not having enough to eat. When there is a famine people almost always work together to help everyone have something, and while this tactic is not always enough, at least people are working together. When our minds and spirits are confused, there is no exit.

Today, listen to God and ask to know his will for you.

What keeps you focused on living in God?

Listening

 "Rise, pick up your stretcher and go home." Mt 9:7

Jesus is forever in a contentious dialog with the Jewish leaders of his time. The Pharisees and Sadducees, feeling threatened by Jesus' popularity, are always looking for a reason to undermine his influence on everyday Jews. Afraid their relationship with the Roman authorities will be in danger if they cannot demonstrate that they can control their "people," they confront Jesus about his interpretation of Sabbath, dietary laws and healing, but Jesus will have none of it. Rather, he forces the Jewish leaders to look at themselves and their own fears.

Although it is often uncomfortable, when anyone challenges us, we can also be resistive. The key is not to act hastily. When we learn to take a minute or three to discern whether our nose is out of joint because we've been challenged, we are much less likely to speak defensively or aggressively towards those who might be able to help us take another step on our spiritual journey.

Today, listen from your heart and try not to defend yourself.

Who do you most admire for listening without resistance to everyone?

St Thomas, Apostle

 "You are no longer strangers and sojourners, but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones and members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone." Eph 2:19-20

Feeling like a stranger can be very beneficial, especially if we are traveling in a foreign country. Only those with too much chutzpah think they belong everywhere, and Americans are notorious for this. Some American tourists, believing they own the world, hurt and anger people of other countries and cultures. Acting as if they are entitled to anything they want because they can pay for it, the embarrass themselves and their country, often without even knowing it.

Poor people almost never feel this way, but this is not to say they have no pride or sense of themselves. Rather, because their poverty makes them dependent on others, they are slow to judge, demand or condemn. The Jews of Jesus' day were like this. Knowing their country was occupied by the Romans, they walked cautiously through life, anxious not to lose the few privileges they had, and it was their humility that make it easy for Jesus to change their lives.

Although the Lord did not come among us to free us politically, he gives us a much greater gift by inviting us to be a part of his Body as "the household of God." Reminding us that we are built upon the foundations of the Apostles and prophets, Paul assures us the as long as Jesus is our cornerstone, the ground of our faith, it does not matter how rich, important or powerful we are in the world. All that matters is our commitment to be the Christ in the world.

Today, glory in the gift of your relationship with Christ.

How has faith given you a sense of belonging?

Accepting Life as it Unfolds

 "Jesus said to them, 'Why are you terrified, O you of little faith?' Then he got up, rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was great calm." Mt 8:26

Terror comes to us all. Sometimes it takes the form of a new illness or anxiety. At other times, we are deeply troubled by the sickness of a spouse, friend or child, especially when the doctors seem unable to diagnose the problem. When this happens, we tend to breathe more shallowly and our insides get frantic with worry and concern. Worse, it is often difficult to sleep or rest well when we are overwhelmed with a life threatening situation.

The disciples who were in the boat with Jesus must have felt some of this when they got caught in a storm on the Sea of Galilee. Expecting an easy passage, all of a sudden the sea is so rough and the winds so high that they begin to fear for their lives. Had they not left all to follow the Lord? Would this be their reward?

Jesus assures his disciples that he is always alert and will always be with them, but he does not promise a carefree life. Rather, he insists that the Good News is so good that they need not fear even death itself, a great challenge for the disciples and us.

Today, ask the Lord to assure you he is near.

Have you known terror? How did you respond/

Following Jesus

  "Foxes have dens and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to rest his head."  Mt 8:20

Jesus' answer to the scribe who assures Jesus that he will follow him anywhere is telling.  Following Jesus is demanding. There is no way around it. His promises are not attractive to most. "I will be with you always," is a strong commitment, but contains no magic bullet. Jesus does not promise us success or renown. Neither does he promise us a fine home or a large family. Rather, he reminds the scribe and us that the only wealth he has to share with us is his relationship with his Father.

The question before us all, of course, is whether this is enough. Are we satisfied to be a part of his body, to be members of a community of faith that, though broken, is of God and for God? The prophet Amos assures us that God will not abandon us even though "son and father go to the same prostitute," (Amos 2:7) but again the question remains: Is this enough? Will this sustain us on our pilgrimage of faith?

Today, ask for an increase of faith.

What aspect of Gospel life do you find most demanding?