“Jesus, I Trust in You.” “Be not afraid.” And: “God himself is my help.” Or “God is present as my helper.” Which comes from today’s responsorial psalm (54:6), are more than just words written on a page. They are promises by God for us to receive, breathe in, rest, and abide with him so we may better experience and be transformed by his love and conformed to his will.
By meditating and contemplating on these words they also become a shield against the darts of the enemy. Whenever the lies of the enemy are hurled at us, we are not to dialogue with them, they are darts! but instead renounce and repel these half-truths, thoughts of desolation, and flights of fancy as we anchor ourselves in the love of God embodied by these words.
Like the Pharisees in today’s gospel who always seem to be on the prowl looking for a way to trip up Jesus, so the devil is always on the prowl seeking someone to devour.
That is why we need to resist the enemy and be diligent, alert, watchful, and at prayer. For as soon as the smallest dart of negativity is hurled, we need to choose: to receive and dialogue with it, let it influence us such that we come to believe it, and so fall into desolation, or to immediately renounce it as Jesus does, trust in him, be not afraid of the lies, and ask God for his help.
When we choose Jesus each time, God’s love rises up within us and radiates out from us to dissolve the power of the enemy’s attacks. When we have the humility to ask for God’s help in recognizing our weakness to make this choice, he becomes our strength.
May we continue to pray for one another that we may remain consistent in receiving, reciting, resting, and abiding in these words that they may become as nourishment consumed to strengthen our spiritual immunity! Thus fortified and strengthened with this breakfast of saints, may your day and weekend be blessed with joy to overflowing!!!
Photo: Rosary walk last evening. Good time to meditate and contemplate God’s word. Good for the body and the soul!
Spiritual Stepping Stones 