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?