Archive for month: August, 2023
At one time or another, or perhaps even now, you have been in Peter’s situation. By which I mean threatening powers, over which you have no control, distract and surround you. This can be anything from a job change to a family situation, to health issues, and so forth. In such situations, we may forget that when we have expended our last effort the rest is in God’s hands. Like Peter, we may succumb to fear, when we have the power to walk on water.
When Peter was overcome with fear and lost faith, he began to sink. Then he cried out to the Lord and Jesus did not say: “You lack faith, you are on your own!” Rather, Jesus reached out his hand and lifted him up. Fret not when you lose faith but do cry out to the Lord! Perhaps, it is in our weakest moments that we realize God’s closest presence, even if it is upon reflection.
Let us pray that through us others find the way to life in Christ: Father, we come, reborn in the Spirit, to celebrate our sonship and daughtership in the Lord Jesus Christ. Touch our hearts and help them grow toward the life you have promised. Touch our lives and make them signs of your love for all. Grant this through Christ our Lord who eternally dwells with you and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever more. Amen.
(Sunday Missal, alt.)
God knows our deceits and weaknesses, thus do not be alarmed that God “struggles” with you and you “struggle” with God (Genesis 32:22-32). The Good News is that through the Holy Spirit God keeps directing us to the right path. God engages us where we are because God is still working within us and among us to lead us to that which God has called us to do and be:
Being renewed in God’s Image unto Jesus Christ. We have a new name and identity in Christ Jesus. The cost: “Take up your cross and follow me.” This is not always easy because our own agendas clash with God’s agenda for the world, and note I said “world.” It behooves us to consider God’s agenda for the world and our place in it. This is vastly different from making God revolve around our careers and goals.
Let us pray to the Father whose kindness never fails: God our Father, gifts without measure flow from your goodness to bring us your peace. Our life is your gift. Guide our life’s journey, for only your love makes us whole. Keep us strong in your love.
Amen.
(Sunday Missal)
