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TODAY’S WORD…

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In order to keep me from becoming conceited,

I was given a thorn in my flesh,

a messenger of Satan, to torment me.

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– 2 Corinthians 12:7 (JB)

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REFLECTION…

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This “thorn” refers to that weakness,

which God permits – though not approves –

so as to ensure that our spiritual gifts do not make us proud.

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Which, or what, or who is your “thorn”?

If you do not think you have one,

please think again,

and look closely at yourself,

because it is only the Saints in heaven who do not.

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If you are a practicing Christian

and yet you struggle to identify your “thorn”,

then perhaps you should check your pride

– it could be your “thorn”!

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If you are aware of your “thorn”,

then entrust it to God.

His grace will be enough

to enable you to cope with this difficulty,

and to overcome it and the taunts of the evil one,

who constantly seeks to put obstacles in our way

and to frustrate our spiritual progress.

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If we let God take over,

when we are weak, we are strong.

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PRAYER…

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O Lord, my God,

it is through Your grace

that I find myself calling upon You

with faith and love in my heart.

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It is also through Your loving grace

that my eyes have been opened

to the weaknesses I see in me,

and my spirit humbled

yet strengthened

to continuously fight the evil one,

who never gives up trying to make me fall.

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Lord, I am nothing without You,

and I need You always by my side.

I am weak, Lord,

stay with me,

take over,

and I will be strong.

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Amen.

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REPETITIVE PRAYER FOR TODAY…

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Stay with me, Lord; take over!

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YEAR OF FAITH 2012-2013

FROM THE CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH…

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Conscience must be informed and moral judgment enlightened.

A well-formed conscience is upright and truthful.

It formulates its judgments according to reason,

in conformity with the true good willed by the wisdom of the Creator.

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The education of conscience is indispensable for human beings

who are subjected to negative influences and tempted by sin

to prefer their own judgment and to reject authoritative teachings.

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[CCC 1783]

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[…] Prudent education [of the conscience] teaches virtue;

it prevents or cures fear, selfishness and pride,

resentment arising from guilt,

and feelings of complacency, born of human weakness and faults.

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The education of the conscience

guarantees freedom and engenders peace of heart.

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[CCC 1784]

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