As we strive to follow Jesus' teachings and nurture our spiritual lives, we frequently encounter moments of frustration. These moments arise when, despite our best efforts to grow and move forward in our faith, we find ourselves repeatedly slipping back into the same errors and shortcomings that we had hoped to overcome. It can feel disheartening to experience progress only to be confronted again by familiar challenges.
Why is this so? Genesis 2:4-9 gives us an answer that can give us hope. We read, ''The Lord fashioned man of dust from the soil. Then he breathed into his nostrils a breath of life, and thus man became a living being.''
Our human condition encompasses a wide range of experiences, challenges, and vulnerabilities. In the midst of our limitations and struggles, there exists a profound truth: God infuses His divine essence and life into our moments of weakness. This sacred exchange not only sustains us but also elevates our human experience, reminding us that even in our fragility, we are recipients of a greater strength that guides and uplifts us.
As Matthew puts it clearly in 26;41, ''The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.'' Jesus himself lived in our human life and knows the struggles we go through. ''If any of you want to be my followers, you must forget about yourself. You must take up your cross and follow me.'' (Mark 8:34). I often wonder if the cross that Jesus asks us to take up is that very weakness of our human condition. Despite the fact that our dedication to following Jesus can occasionally lead us to experience failure or setbacks, we must not allow these challenges to deter us from our spiritual journey. It’s crucial to recognise that these moments of struggle are part of our growth and faith development. We should continually seek strength and guidance in our pursuit of a deeper relationship with Him, understanding that perseverance is key to overcoming obstacles along the way. He says that he will not leave us orphans and that he will ask the Father to send the Holy Spirit to help us and always be with us. (John 14:16,18).
St Paul was so conscious of his own weakness. ''A thorn was given to me in the flesh to keep me from being too elated. Three times, I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away. But he replied, ''My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness. So I will boast all the more gladly of my weakness so that the power of Christ will dwell in me. For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.'' ( 2 Corinthians 12:7-10) Thank you, Paul, for those encouraging words.
Columban Fr Don Hornsey lives and works in New Zealand
Related links
- Read more from the current Columban eBulletin
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