WATCHWORD:
3 We are human, but we don’t wage war as humans do. 4 We use God’s mighty weapons, not worldly weapons, to knock down the strongholds of human reasoning and to destroy false arguments. 5 We destroy every proud obstacle that keeps people from knowing God. We capture their rebellious thoughts and teach them to obey Christ. 2 Corinthians10:3-5
Meditation:
Our Story – A Parable
He was a man of arrogance, ignorance, and pride. Caught up in his own perfection and he blindly saw those around him agreeing, even supporting his self-interest. But the Lord looked down upon him and remarked to the Angel Michael, “He needs to be trained, to be shaped in our image. Let us begin”.
Then the sun shone down on the man, in great heat, and he smiled and laughed, and said “What can a mere light in the sky do to me, I have shade and SPF 90 sunblock. I am perfect. And the sun continued to shine even brighter, and the heat increased, and the sunblock melted away. And yet, the man shrugged it off, his arrogance deepened.
Then a drought and the brightly shining sun dried up the crops in his fields and he looked upon the disaster with distain, saying “What can a mere drought do it to me? My barns are full for I have prepared for this because I am perfect and I am smart.”
Then dark clouds appeared on the horizon, and rolling thunder could be heard in the distance. A cool breeze moved through and pushed away the heat, and the man became even more proud. Then he marveled at the lightning in the distance and made himself comfortable, to watch the show of the storm that was sure to pass through. Then, to his horror, lightning struck his barns and before he could do anything, they burned to the ground along with the goods stored there. And the man reflected on this and he began to doubt.
Yet, the man was still arrogance and filled with pride. The drought, the wind and the lightning strikes continued until he was left with nothing. “I have many friends who will help me rebuild, and aid me through this disaster. They know of my power. They know of my wealth. They know of my intelligence. They will get me beyond this.” And he smiled, but it was no confidence and no certainty to the smile.
Then rains began and beat upon the man and he became concerned, saying “What more can a bit of rain do to me? I am weatherproof. The rains will soon cease, my crops will grow. My friends will come.” But the rain did not cease, and flood waters rose. In near panic, the man called out to his friends, but they did not come. He called again and again, but no help arrived. Then, overcome with fear, in desperation, he cried out, “Lord help me.” And the Angel Michael, bowed in affirmation to his Lord and Savior.
Is that what it takes to bring us to the Lord? We come to the edge of disaster before we call on Him? Do we have to wait until we’re in the ambulance speeding to the hospital to call upon Our Father? Do we have to have one of our children getting into trouble before we will pray for the help of the Almighty? Do we have to be asked to pray for others before we will pray?
With all the graces that he has given us through the length and breadth of our days, and yet we hesitate, as if His words “Go and do likewise” has no meaning. What does it take for us to act like children of God? That is who we are, you know, Children of God! Shouldn’t we be acting like it? So be it, my friends, so be it.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me. Too often I get lost in my own imagined importance, my own pride, in my petty little accomplishments. Too often I have turned my back on those who needed me just because it was inconvenient or I was uncomfortable in stepping out or saying something or defending someone who needed to be defended. I just didn’t want to get my hands dirty. Lord take away this pride that prevents me from knowing You. Forgive me, guide me back to Your Way, back to Your truth, back to Your Life. Bring me back to You. Amen.
