like a rock
“You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the Capstone.” —Ephesians 2:20
The Lord specializes in making shaky, unstable, and doubting people into “living stones” (1 Pt 2:5) with rock-like faith, transforming them into pillars of the Church. For instance, Jesus came to doubting Thomas, and before long St. Thomas was crying out: “My Lord and my God!” (Jn 20:28) Jesus took Simon and changed his name to Peter, meaning “Rock” (see Jn 1:42). Peter wasn’t true to his name at first, but, after being confirmed by the Spirit at Pentecost, St. Peter’s faith never failed, and he was able to strengthen his brothers (Lk 22:32).
Jesus met Nathanael, whose prejudice indicated his instability (see Jn 1:46). Before long, Nathanael was professing his faith in Jesus as “the Son of God” and “the King of Israel” (Jn 1:49). When he fled from Calvary (Mk 14:50), St. Nathanael also faltered in his faith but was finally confirmed by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Sts. Thomas, Peter, and Nathanael, with nine other previously shaky people, became the foundation stones of the Church (Eph 2:20; Rv 21:14; cf Acts 1:26).
Are you shaky in your faith? (see Jn 6:61) Are you able to be manipulated by pressures? Would you be martyred for love of Jesus or give in to fear and selfishness? Ask the Father and Jesus to renew you in your Confirmation by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, may I have the strength to be martyred for love of You.
Promise: “You became a believer because you saw Me. Blest are they who have not seen and have believed.” —Jn 20:29
Praise: St. Thomas spread the Good News to India, where he was martyred.
Reference: (Live life to the fullest. Join us July 19-21 for the retreat Discipleship, Redemptive Suffering and Mary. Call 513-373-2397 or see www.presentationministries.com for details.)
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