Wednesday of the Twenty-second Week in Ordinary Time
A couple weeks ago, I reflected upon legacy and invited us to consider the legacy we wish to leave. Today, my reflection flows in a similar vein. Let’s prayerfully consider how others see us now, and what fruits of discipleship are evident in our lives. Perhaps it’s a good day to ask the Lord to help us grow in areas in which we desire greater fruitfulness. Thanks be to God that we are not left alone in these efforts, but we have the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead, guide, and help us!
In our first reading, St Paul gratefully recognizes and celebrates the faithful in Colossae for their faith, love, and hope. He affirms, “We always give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, for we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and the love that you have for all the holy ones because of the hope reserved for you in heaven.” If someone were to pray for you this way, or pray for me this way, what would they say? Following Paul’s example here, it would look like this: “We always give thanks to God when we pray for (fill in your name) for we have heard (or seen/recognized) of your ________________ and _______________.” In our Gospel, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law. Immediately, upon being delivered, she got up and served Jesus and his friends. That’s remarkable servanthood! If I were to pray for her along the example of Paul, I would thank God for the servant’s heart that I see in her. What virtues, fruits, or gifts would others see in you? How would they complete that sentence? If you’re not sure, ask someone! What virtues, fruits, or gifts do you think God would want to cultivate within you?
Currently, I believe the Lord wants to grow me in humility, servanthood, and selflessness. I have a strong conviction around that from the Holy Spirit. Confident that God’s Word is powerful and effective, I’ve printed some scriptures (Philippians 2 and 1 Corinthians 13) that I pray each morning, trusting that as I yield more fully to God’s Word that these fruits and virtues will become more and more a part of me. I offer this example in the hopes that it might be helpful to you, as well. Perhaps there is a scripture(s) that you could begin to pray specifically until it becomes embodied in you. Believe in the transformative power of God’s Word for you!
As we grow in virtue and fruitfulness, our lives witness to the love of God and the power of the Gospel. Others notice our example and are drawn to God. Obviously, we desire to grow, not for recognition and affirmation, but to point others to Christ. May each of us today take steps of growth so that our we might more authentically and fully glorify God by our lives. Send us the graces we need today, Jesus, as we trust you for the increase. Thanks be to God! Amen.
Elizabeth Wourms