The word "strive" in this verse from today's Gospel gives me incredible hope because it speaks directly to my many imperfections, my daily struggles, while also encouraging me continue to stay strong and focused on the teachings of Christ.
It is so easy to get off track everyday because we meet so much opposition to the truth. But we must pray for an increase of faith. We must believe that Christ's death was for each of us, individually. We must continue to get up every time we fall and strive to enter the narrow gate.
What God longs for us to do is to live in the truth Jesus reveals. This means believing in God's absolute, unconditional love, not in a notional way but one that transforms our attitudes and whole approach to life.1
O sweet Savior Christ, in your undeserved love for us you were prepared to suffer the painful death of the cross: let me not be cold or even lukewarm in my love for you.
Lord help me to face the truth about myself. Help me to hear my words as others hear them, To see my face as others see me; Let me be honest enough to recognize my impatience and conceit;
Let me recognize my anger and selfishness; Give me sufficient humility to accept my own weakness for what they are. Give me the grace – at least in your presence – to say. ‘I was wrong – forgive me.’
God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, increase in us faith and truth and gentleness and grant us part and lot among the saints.
— St. Polycarp 69-115
Note: 1 Sister Ruth Burrows, O.C.D.
Daily Grace
DG,
ReplyDeleteThere is a great connection between the message of this post and your post from yesterday. Acknowledging our sinfulness, letting God expose who we are short comings and all, so that we can turn to Him and enter through the Narrow Gate.
I love Polycarp's prayer~think I will print it and put it on my bedroom mirror where I will see it every morning.
Thanks for both posts (I am a little slow in commenting these days, so please forgive the two in one comment :)
Thank you Karinann for the two in on comment :). You are always so thoughtful in your responses to what has been written. I appreciate that.
ReplyDeleteI am glad you like the St. Polycarp prayer too!
God bless
It IS so easy to get off-track every day.. thank God for His Grace!! Believing in His unconditional love is the key to finding the strength to keep getting up when we fall.. oh I agree wholeheartedly with you!
ReplyDeleteThank you for a very encouraging post!
God bless
God bless you Colleen!
ReplyDeleteSo true, Lisa Marie
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