an instrumental
“This man is the instrument I have chosen.” —Acts 9:15
The Lord often decides to work through people, especially members of His Body, the Church. After the Lord knocked Saul to the ground and confronted him, He did not continue His work in Saul’s life independently. He called for Ananias to be instrumental in converting Saul (Acts 9:10ff). Saul then became instrumental in converting both Jews and Gentiles.
The Lord also wants you to be His instrument. You are one of the Lord’s instruments in His plan to protect children in the womb from being aborted. You are also God’s instrument in proclaiming the Gospel to those with whom you live and work. You are God’s instrument in feeding the poor, healing the sick, and driving out demons.
You are God’s mouth, hands, and feet. God has decided to make Himself handicapped without your obedient service. In Holy Communion, the Lord gives His Flesh and Blood to you (Jn 6:55). In a different way, you must give your flesh and blood to Him. He wants your body to be His weapon for justice (Rm 6:13). He wants you at this point in His plan of salvation (see Heb 11:40).
Many of us have prayed the “Prayer of St. Francis.” We have asked the Lord to make us “instruments” of His peace. The Lord has answered our prayer. Accept His answer. Be His instrument.
Prayer: Risen Lord, “here I am” (Acts 9:10). Use me for Your Kingdom; use me up.
Promise: “The man who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him.” —Jn 6:56
Praise: St. Peter Chanel was ordained in France but wanted to be a missionary. He got his wish and helped spread the Gospel to Oceania. When the son of a Polynesian chieftain requested Baptism, Peter’s martyrdom soon followed.
Reference:
Rescript: test
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.