I will sing of your salvation. — Psalm 71:(see 15)

Mass readings: Isaiah 49:1-6 / John 13:21-33,36-38

Amazing Grace

A few years ago, I coached a junior high basketball team at a Catholic school, and the principal asked me to give a talk to the eighth graders preparing for Confirmation. In a subtle way, I was supposed to share my faith and serve as a role model. Boy, I didn’t want to do that. Stand before 13-year-olds and give witness to my faith? I would feel like a fraud. I’ve struggled to be a good person and my relationships have been up and down. But I gave the talk and I was glad I did.

In today’s Gospel, Jesus says Peter will deny Him three times. The zealous apostle failed miserably. None of us is perfect or even close to it. Yet we can still be Christians and gain salvation. Grace conquers all.

Prayer: Lord, let me strive to accept my limitations and continue the struggle to be holy.