Our eyes are fixed on the Lord, pleading for his mercy.-- Psalm 123:2
Mass readings: Ezekiel 2:2-5 / 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 / Mark 6:1-6
In our ''survival of the fittest society,'' the world emulates the sleek and the strong, but Scripture steers us in a different direction. It encourages us to be ''content with weaknesses . . . for the sake of Christ'' (2 Cor 12:10) and assures us that true strength comes in powerlessness.
Our parish deacon would agree. A healthy, active man, he was crushed when he developed a serious kidney dysfunction and had to undergo dialysis several hours each week. Embittered and depressed, he lost his zeal for life until a word of enlightenment came to him one day during treatment. ''Dialysis is chaining you to this chair to free your cluttered mind and schedule for prayer.'' The deacon's realization led to deeper communion with God and a more fruitful, flourishing ministry.
Prayer: St. Paul, pray we will recognize thorns in the flesh as God's avenues for grace.