“I can do all things in Christ Jesus who strengthens me” Phil. 4:13.
“‘…not by might nor by power, but by my spirit,’ says the Lord” Zechariah 4:6.
I want to, I can be and I must be holy is a very beautiful and wonderful prospect but cannot be gotten solely on one’s personal effort, the Lord is needed. One needs to and must begin to learn how to really discipline the self on focusing on Jesus for he is the only way this feat can be attained.
St. Peter in his life knew this: he began to sink when he lost that focus after the beautiful invitation to walk on the water (Mt. 14:30). He denied Jesus three times (26:75). This was he whose faith the Lord had said he would build his church on (16:18); one of the privileged three that was always with the Lord (17:1-6; 26:37; Lk. 8:51).
But on hearing the words “It is the Lord!” at their catch of fish at the Tiberias, he jumped into the water to meet Jesus (Jn. 21:7). “Lai! Lai!! Dem talk say lightning no dey strike for the same place two times.” This too could have accounted for his position in Acts 6:2 – “It is not right that we should neglect the word of God….”
You may not agree with me on this but am very convinced about it: the SELF, FEAR and the CROWD are major obstacles on our quest for holiness. They interplay beautifully and have a way of influencing this yearning of ours. Peter began to sink and he denied (even to point of laying curses on himself) the Lord all because of FEAR – False Evidence About Reality.
Would you also allow this same fear to cripple you too. Bartimaeus never allowed fear to snatch his only opportunity of receiving healing from the Lord (Mk. 10:46-52); nor the woman with the issue of blood (Lk. 8:43-48); nor the other thief dying with him on the cross (Lk. 23:42). Nor did Daniel (Dan. 6); Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Dan. 3:16-18).
The Lord assures us today: “fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name, you are mine” ( Is. 43:1); “do not be afraid of them, for I am with you to protect you” (Jer. 1:8); “do not be afraid, little flock….” (Lk. 12:32); “do not let your hearts be troubled; trust in God and trust also in me” (Jn. 14:1).
Don’t you know that the fear of failure is the beginning of failure? Why not focus on Jesus today no matter the difficulties you might encounter. If you fall don’t remain on the ground pick yourself up and continue with the Lord Jesus. St. Paul says in Phil. 1:21: “for me to live is Christ.”
My most sweet and adorable Jesus give me the grace today to overcome all my fears. Train me dear Lord, to always keep my eyes focused on you and your liberating cross as I yield to your wonderful call: Come follow me. Amen.
Sing prayerfully with the song “Trust and obey” and “give me grace to follow.” Pray too with St. Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord.” Study chapter today the 10th chapter of the prophet Jeremiah.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD BEYOND MY STRENGTH.
By Fr. Charles Emore