06/11/2023

I really do lack self-confidence. I know that the words of St Paul are truthful and sincere. I know that I also want to be  truthful and sincere but I know that I all too easily acte in ways that reveal me as a sinful liar.

Paul teaches the Romans that today we can live virtuous lives because we were sinners. The mercy of Jesus was given to sinners. He did not come to call the righteous but to offer the mercy of our Incarnate God to the whole of humanity. St Paul  was filled with holy joy as he fully understood the depths of meaning in his own inspired words.

"How rich are the depths of God-how deep is his wisdom and knowledge-and how impossible to penetrate his motives or understand his methods! Who could ever understand the mind of the Lord? Who could ever be his counsellor? Who could ever give or lend him anything?

All that exists comes from him; all is by him and for him. To him be Glory for ever! Amen" 

This is not prayer willed by the mind. (I have to make a conscious act of will to turn my mind  and heart to God). It is the heart and soul of the Apostle being penetrated by the Holy Spirit and responding with joyful human love to the Love that comes from God.

Jesus speaks to the Pharisee but tells us all that acts of kindness to others have to be made outside of our circle of acquaintances who will return them. This is the second root of the religion of Jesus Christ. If we want to see "the depths of God" we have to put the needs of other people before our own. 

Everything about our life is determined by the way we freely react to the inspiration of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. If I am confident in God I need not fear my weakness for Jesus has poured out the mercy of the Father and sealed it with the Spirit. This is not self - confidence but the confidence that God will give to all who seek it, as did St Paul, with our whole heart and soul.

Dear Lord, help me to choose the right way  to accept your will. I can pray for nothing more for myself . Let your Mercy smother out hatred and violence throughout the world. Let my family learn through my prayers that there is a lot more to life than the material world tells us. Let me become without anything else  a soul seeking your grace. May I know the confidence in myself that must be there because I do know with my mind that your Mercy is for us all but my heart is weak in shouting out this knowledge to the whole world