Did I hear you complain about the journey already and we have just barely started?
Excuse me! Were you expecting a smooth and easy ride? You must be dreaming. Don’t you know that the enemy of your glory will never allow that. Have you forgotten its agenda so soon – “to deceive, to steal and to kill?” (cf. Jn. 10:10) Look at how it made a pretty mess of Adam and Eves’ (Gen. 3) and do you think it will spare you a kiss.
Brace yourself for a rude shock, for it will be a very bumpy ride. Outside your willingness to make this difficult journey, you direly need to hold on to the word of God for it is the only food for this journey. Elijah the prophet persevered on his 40days and 40nights journey to Horeb on the strength of this food (cf. 1 Kn. 19:7-8) and Jesus is that food (cf. Jn. 6:48).
Will you listen to him today? Elijah did when the angel woke him up. He is waking you up once again would you listen? He says take up your cross and follow me.
So, do you need that same strength? Then listen to Jesus for all things came into being through him (Jn. 1:1-4); He is the word made flesh ( v.14) and the bread of life (6:48). Feed on the power of his gracious words today and persevere with him, he says your perseverance will win you your life (glory) Lk. 21:19.
Sing today “Christ is my rock.” Find a quiet place and talk with him, asking him for strength to go on with your journey. Pray with St. Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord” and study chapter 6 of the prophet Jeremiah.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD BEYOND MY STRENGTH.
By Fr. Charles Emore