Join us as we reflect, ponder, and pray together inspired by today's Gospel.
Today's Gospel: Mark 1:21-28
True confession: the one thing that kept me from embracing Jesus and His life-giving teachings was a profound fear of change. The demons in today's Gospel fear being destroyed by Jesus. In a way, I harbored this same concern, although mine was more an undoing of my current way of life. I knew there were behaviors and habits that I possessed and, I must admit, enjoyed, which did not coincide with a burgeoning understanding of what it means to be a Christian. A large part of me was unwilling to let go of who I was, to be whom God created me to be.
As a board member of the PTO, I never missed a meeting. As a professional gossip, I never skipped the social gathering following each meeting. Some weeks I felt like I was holding court, sitting at the head of the table, sharing stories and laughs at other people's expense. Gossip and the judgment of others were my comedic outlet; I convinced myself life would be boring and lived in isolation without it. What do I possibly have to say that others would want to hear and still be funny? Yet, as I devoured more scripture, spent more time in prayer and Adoration, and participated more fully in the sacraments, I knew it was time to abandon this behavior.
At first, my fears were realized. Many of my old companions were not interested in the new 'holier' Allison. Like my horrible first boyfriend, this new love affair drove a wedge between many friendships. However, my friends were wrong this time — this Love was the best thing for me.
What the demons missed, and gratefully I did not, is that destroying what separates you from God opens the door to a recreation of a much better you.
Ponder:
What behavior do you feel Jesus calling you to destroy so that you can be recreated in Him but have been reluctant to embrace out of the fear of change?
Pray:
Lord, reveal any behaviors and habits You wish to destroy in me. Then, please provide me with every grace and blessing I need to surrender them to You.
Copyright 2023 Allison Gingras
About the Author
.png?width=1806&height=731&name=CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c%20(002).png "CatholicMom_hcfm_logo1_pos_871c_2728c (002)"){kind=logo}
Comments