WHEN GOD INTRUDES

WHEN GOD INTRUDES

 

“Let us cross to the other side.” – Mark 4:35

 

I was a contented, happy, normal employee in a multinational company preoccupied with attending prayer meetings, Bible studies and actively serving in ministries. I was also hoping I could one day do the latter fulltime.

But I found myself heavily involved in representing the company in international competitions. This derailed my normal day-to- day routine and altered my desired plan. At 30, I was a young manager with an exciting career. I also met the girl of my dreams.

But after 23 years in the electronics industry and with a thriving family business, suddenly my major project got scrapped. At the same time, my wife and I had some deep personal issues with relatives plus business challenges that came our way.

The Lord has a way of intruding in our lives, doesn’t He? He disturbs us when we are too comfortable, or when He needs to fix something in us or in our lives, or when He simply wants us to grow.

I must admit that I still don’t like it. But we are reminded in today’s Gospel, “Quiet! Be still!” As we cross to the other side, He is with us in our boat. Ariel Driz (adriz77@yahoo.com)

 

REFLECTION:

What are God’s intrusions in your life lately? Are you complaining or growing?

 

Lord Jesus, teach me to recognize Your hand in my life and grant me the grace to respond accordingly — joyfully and peacefully! Amen.

 

WHAT DO WE DO WITH SIN?

 

It is easy enough to identify the sin in our lives, though at times we can have blind spots (like David) or we can actually rebel against admitting that what we have done is wrong. Be that as it may, what we need to do when we recognize sin is confront it and put it to death. It is absolutely essential that we do not tolerate any sin for one iota of a moment, or else it will stick its foot into the door of our heart, and we will have a hard time getting rid of it.

Sin is never fair; it is always evil and it will take advantage of the smallest mistakes we make. We must be equally ruthless in dealing with such a foe. If not, we will constantly find ourselves “behind the eight ball,” having an enormous struggle trying to get rid of it. Sin, by its nature, will not give up easily. The devil, although he has been defeated, continues to live in the hope that he can gain us for his kingdom. It is important that we do not give him any latitude to work in our lives because I can assure you he will do whatever he can to win us over to his way of thinking and living.

Nathan confronts David with his sin regarding Uriah the Hittite in a very clever manner so that David passes judgment on himself. We must always seek to look at our moral choices with the same sort of objectivity that Nathan helps provide to David — only then can we judge the moral worth of our proposed actions in a dispassionate manner. Feelings are not usually very helpful in determining the moral rectitude of an action. They tend to cloud the issues more than bring them into stark relief.

As we seek to be disciples of Jesus, it is important that we open our hearts to the work of the Holy Spirit who will help us discern what we should do in any given situation. Let us be open to the grace and help of God that He provides us and not insist on doing things on our own strength — a formula that is certain to get us into a lot of trouble. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL

 

Reflection Question:

Do I tend to tolerate sin in my life? Even if the sin is small, little sins lead to big sins. Let us not allow this vicious cycle to begin.

 

Jesus, help me to discern what is good, true and perfect as regards my life and the decisions I make every day. Let me be humble enough to submit fully to the grace and power of Your Holy Spirit.

 

St. Hippolytus, pray for us.