Are you like King Ahaz? Are you unable to break out of the cycle of fretting and trembling over possibilities that never wind up taking place? Are you like the people of Chorazin and Bethsaida? Do you fail to break out of the comfort of mediocrity when Jesus is performing His wonders right in front of your face?
Jesus the Prophet is constantly working to spur us to conversion and greater faith. How frequently are we unmoved by His powerful prophetic word but totally dismayed by a rumor which might disrupt our health insurance, retirement, favorite TV program, or sports team? We spend days or weeks in turmoil before discovering that the rumored event didn't actually happen. Meanwhile, we missed out on the miracles of the Eucharist, God's prophetic messages, countless signs of His love, and other clear signs of God's grace. What a waste of the precious time God has given to us!
"Is the Lord to be thus repaid by you, O stupid and foolish people?" (Dt 32:6) People of God, let's stop living in a make-believe world. Let's "keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:2) and "avoid worldly, idle talk" (2 Tm 2:16).
| PRAYER: | Father, forgive me for trembling instead of trusting, and focusing on rumors rather than reforming. |
| PROMISE: | "Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" –Is 7:9 |
| PRAISE: | St. Bonaventure, being yoked to his loving Savior, brought to many a deeper love for the way of life of his beloved St. Francis. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College