The Lord specializes in making shaky, unstable, and doubting people into "living stones" (1 Pt 2:5) with rock-like faith, transforming them into pillars of the Church. For instance, Jesus came to doubting Thomas, and before long St. Thomas was crying out: "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28) Jesus took Simon and changed his name to Peter, meaning "Rock" (see Jn 1:42). Peter wasn't true to his name at first, but, after being confirmed by the Spirit at Pentecost, St. Peter's faith never failed, and he was able to strengthen his brothers (Lk 22:32).
Jesus met Nathanael, whose prejudice indicated his instability (see Jn 1:46). Before long, Nathanael was professing his faith in Jesus as "the Son of God" and "the King of Israel" (Jn 1:49). When he fled from Calvary (Mk 14:50), St. Nathanael also faltered in his faith but was finally confirmed by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Sts. Thomas, Peter, and Nathanael, with nine other previously shaky people, became the foundation stones of the Church (Eph 2:20; Rv 21:14; cf Acts 1:26).
Are you shaky in your faith? (see Jn 6:61) Are you able to be manipulated by pressures? Would you be martyred for love of Jesus or give in to fear and selfishness? Ask the Father and Jesus to renew you in your Confirmation by the Holy Spirit.
| PRAYER: | Father, may I have the strength to be martyred for love of You. |
| PROMISE: | "You became a believer because you saw Me. Blest are they who have not seen and have believed." –Jn 20:29 |
| PRAISE: | St. Thomas spread the Good News to India, where he was martyred. |
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