“So treat others the way you would like them to treat you” Mt. 7:12.
“When you sincerely seek me you will find me; and when you search for me with all your heart I will let you find me” Jer. 29:13-14.
Yesterday wasn’t easy for me, it was tough but I have my mind made up, I can do it. I can be HOLY. I only need to sincerely yield to promptings of God, which he provides everyday for He is the giver of good gifts (Mt. 7:11).
Sometime last year I asked Fr. Toni Ozele how would one discover his gifts of the spirit and at the same time yield to them. He said God provides the platform, the opportunities/ situations where a particular gift is meant to be used, stirs up ones spirits and then leaves one to act. Yielding willingly to such situations/ opportunities is a decision meant for the individual.
So ask yourself what are the opportunities God is giving to you today? Just yesterday a brother of mine told me how one of his far younger one slapped him in front of his own house all because he wasn’t in support of their actions in the family and for insisting that their eldest brother who is now the father of the house should be listened to and respected. He actually wanted to take action in spite of the pleas from his mother and parish priest. But it took the intervention of his kids who told him to let go that it was all a distraction to his life, which he did. Difficult is it not? But that is it my friend – THE REAL CROSS, the call to holiness.
Situations like this abound and are being encountered everyday. My joy is that you and I are not alone in this struggle, Jesus too encountered it in no small measure in spite of all the good he did. He say: “Do not oppose evil with evil; if someone slaps you on the right cheek, turn and offer him the other” (Mt. 5:39).
The greatest joy and consolation I have in this my decision and quest is that I can never be alone for I have Jesus with me. Also, when the journey gets too rough there is a wonderful and loving shoulder to lean on – JESUS’. “Come to me” he says, “all you who labour and are over burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble of heart, and you will find rest” Mt. 11:28-29.
My most sweet and adorable Jesus this is really hard for me. When am being pushed hard to either retaliate, use the curse word, hate or blow out, grant me the grace of self-restraint. Stay with me for my weakness is getting a better hold on me and am about to abandon this journey. I do really need you at this time for the urge to give up altogether is really strong. Let your will, not mine be done today, nothing more, nothing else and nothing less. Amen.
Sing today the songs: “My hope is built on nothing less” and “I need thee every hour.” Not just sing them turn them into your prayer for today with St. Pio’s “Stay with me, Lord.” Study chapter today the 9th chapter of the prophet Jeremiah.
SHEPHERD ME O LORD BEYOND MY STRENGTH.
By Fr. Charles Emore