12th Sunday in Ordinary Time
R. Lord, in your great love, answer me.
Written by Emilie Berard
I am constantly amazed by the love of God. There will be times that I just sit in awe thinking about all the good God has given me--all the love God has shown me. I want to tell anyone and everyone just how great God really is.
But is it always easy?
Feeling God’s love for us can be all-consuming. Living in that love to be the hands and feet of Jesus can feel like a weight that we may not feel quite strong enough to bear. After working in youth ministry for several years and meeting people from all walks of life, I can say many people (myself included) have felt--and maybe still feel unworthy--to take on that weight. We sometimes tell ourselves “I’m not Holy enough,” or “There is someone out there better who will do it.” We forget that we are all called to take up the cross and walk with Jesus.
Heavy… I know.
Do you ever just sit with that, though? This idea of how God created each of us to be uniquely and wonderfully made. The thought that God is counting on us and believes that we can do it. God, in all his might and glory, believes in our individual worth, goodness, and potential even when we doubt every part of who we are. God knows we can do great things and will love us through the ENTIRE process.
Ooof…
There is gravity pulling in this vital role God has set for me--for each of us. And in reflecting on this psalm “Lord, in your great love, answer me,” I’m reminded that even when I don’t feel strong, God is there. Even when I feel overwhelmed, He is present. Even when I feel like what I’m doing to help and change the world around me isn’t enough, God is working through me to meet others where they are. I am reminded that I don’t need to be God’s strongest soldier, I just need to be His vessel.
“Lord, lead me where you need me.”
I pray this every day. God’s mercy is great and His kindness is bountiful. Of course, I want to go wherever He needs me because I want to do all that I can for He has given me everything. I want to be the hands and feet of Jesus because I want everyone to know this truly awesome love.
So how?
We can start with the Eucharist--the Body and Blood of Jesus Christ. In this year of Eucharistic Revival, let us sit with God in all His glory, allow Him to lead us to great things, and most importantly, remember as we take up the cross, we are walking with God, not in place of Him.
Emilie Berard has walked with God in various capacities including volunteering and working for the Diocese of Lafayette for several years. She is married to her wonderful husband, Chris, and together they strive to grow their marriage to be faith-filled. She is currently learning and spreading the word about The National Eucharistic Revival. The Revival is a grassroots movement of Catholics, each responding to the gift of the Eucharist in their own way. You can learn more on their website, www.eucharisticrevival.org.
Pray with today’s psalm.