stop being frustrated and confused
"Now thus says the Lord of hosts: Consider your ways! You have sown much, but have brought in little." —Haggai 1:5-6
Like Herod, some people are "perplexed" (Lk 9:7) regarding some of the events in their lives. They rightly sense that their confusion would be cleared up if they met Jesus (see Lk 9:9). However, like Herod, when they do encounter Christ, they often retreat into selfishness and refuse to meet Christ on His terms.
Other people are frustrated. They "have sown much, but have brought in little" and "have eaten, but have not been satisfied" (Hg 1:6). "He who earned wages earned them for a bag with holes in it" (Hg 1:6). Deep down, these people know that their priorities are wrong. They are building their own houses rather than God's kingdom (see Hg 1:4). They can repent and be freed from frustration, or they can suppress the voice of their conscience and remain frustrated.
We don't have to be confused, frustrated, stressed, or unhappy. Peace, happiness, and fulfillment are as accessible to us as the decision to obey Jesus. In Him we have peace (Jn 16:33). We can rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4). We "have strength for everything" through Jesus (Phil 4:13). Receive the abundant life (Jn 10:10) by accepting Jesus as Lord of your life.
Prayer: Father, I repent of sinning and making my life empty.
Promise: "Consider your ways! Go up into the hill country; bring timber, and build the house that I may take pleasure in it and receive My glory, says the Lord." —Hg 1:7-8
Praise: Sts. Cosmas and Damian knew what the Lord called them to do and did it well. They were twin brothers and physicians. Centuries later, St. Francis of Assisi discerned his call to ministry while praying in front of the San Damiano (St. Damian) Cross.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Jesus and Peace, order, listen to, or download our CD 42-1 or DVD 42 on our website.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 15, 2019
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