WHAT IS HOLDING YOU BACK?
Today, in the first
reading, we hear Job speak to his friends who have come to try and console him
they listened but wasn't helpful. Now, in wisdom born of suffering, Job begins
to make some sense of the mystery that envelops him. He observes God's wisdom and
strength; he pays attention to the skies above and understands God's power and
genius. Then Job wisely concludes, "Who can say to Him, 'What are You
doing?' (Jb 9:12)"
To such a powerful
and loving heavenly Father we must pray in humility the words from today's
Responsorial Psalm, "Let my prayer come before You, Lord... Daily I call
upon You, O Lord; to You I stretch out my hands" (Ps 88:3, 9). Once we
have found Him, we must follow. We are called to live a Gospel life and to take
the path Jesus Christ offers. His grace is sufficient and His love is forever.
We cannot outdo God in generosity. Jesus promises that those who are willing to
part with what is most dear to them for His sake "will receive a hundred
times as much and will inherit eternal life" (Mt 19:29). Jesus offers us
lasting peace, unending joy, unconditional love and abundant life.
Our challenge today
is to focus on the unnamed disciple in the Gospel who said to Jesus, "I
will follow You wherever You go" (Lk 9:57). St. Therese of the Child
Jesus, whose memorial is celebrated today, exemplifies for all what it means to
be a disciple of Jesus Christ. Is there anything holding you back?