Wednesday of the Thirtieth Week in Ordinary Time
The Lord works in mysterious ways. While we know this to be true do we truly understand that? Today’s scripture reminds us that the Spirit comes to our aid in our weakness. And perhaps for St. Paul that is easy for him to see and believe. He understood his weakness and he saw the Spirit use those weaknesses to help him become a better disciple.
Paul reminds us that when we cannot prayer the Spirit intercedes and pleads for us even through our inarticulate groans. This spirit intercedes with us and the saints so that we might do God’s will. But how often do we allow the Spirit into our weaknesses? How often do we will to turn away from that which conforms’ us to the image of Your Son? Do we hang onto our sin because we feel comfortable with it and think after all it is not really hurting anyone.
People are hurt no matter whether someone knows it or not, because God knows, and therefore the Body of Christ is affected. This means salvation is affected. As Catholics salvation is not a question we readily ask the way some Protestants do…“Are you saved?” Jesus gets a similar, “Lord will only a few be saved?” As usual, Jesus gives no straight answer, however it is one with a sense of striving urgency. The time is short, the gate is narrow. Many will try to enter, few will make it. Not everyone will fully accept what it means to be a faithful disciple. But this urgency is asked of us today. Consider what we might need to do in order to be more faithful to the gospel so that we might enter the narrow gate. So that the Master will recognize our hearts are dedicated to the Lord.
"Merciful God, watch over us this day and call from us that which we need give ourselves completely over to You, who lives and reigns, one God forever and ever. Amen!"
-Michael Montgomery