I thought I had it in me. I thought I could handle it, no problem, which is why I walked right into that all-too-familiar situation, the one where I’d fallen so many times before. I thought it’d be different this time though. I thought I could avoid that sin, even though I walked right up to it. So when I was surprised I gave in and fell yet again, I had to think about why I was so surprised. Why did I think that I could do it on my own?

The reality of Christian life is that Jesus has called us to do something that we literally cannot do on our own. But, the miracle of the Christian life is that He has done what we can’t and He offers us the new life that comes with that sacrifice.

So many times in my life, I’ve been just like the sons of Zebedee in today’s Gospel. I’ve looked at the Christian call, and, without knowing the demands of love that God has called us to, assumed that I can handle it all on my own. It seems like a noble goal, so I look at the chalice that Jesus drinks and think to myself, “I’m a good Christian. I can handle this.” But the reality is that I can’t. Apart from receiving the divine life of Jesus through the sacraments and prayer, I cannot expect that I will be able to live up to everything Jesus is calling me to.

Journeying through this season, be intentional in asking Jesus to pour out His life into you. The Father has called you to a supernatural life — a call you can’t respond to apart from His grace. Beg Him for the grace and He will transform your life.

I’m a simple lady and one of my favorite things to do is to laugh really hard. I’m constantly looking for what is true, good, and beautiful in everything around me, especially music. I have an insatiable desire for authenticity in all areas of my life. I’m pursuing heaven on a messy little journey that Jesus is making beautiful, with new mercies every day.  Leah Murphy of Life Teen

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