MEEK, NOT WEAK

“They that hope in the Lord will renew their strength, they will soar as with eagles’ wings.” –Isaiah 40:31

Mass Readings: December 13
First: Isaiah 40:25-31; Resp: Psalm 103:1-4,8,10; Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30

Listen to the Mass Readings

The Lord is our Strength (Ps 27:1). The joy of the Lord is our strength (Neh 8:10). In Him Who is the Source of our strength we have strength for everything (Phil 4:13).

Samson had incredible physical strength, but spiritually he had weaknesses. If we rely on our own strength, we will falter. However, if we rely on the Lord’s strength, we will not grow weary or fade away (Is 40:28ff). Therefore, we must constantly seek the Lord and His strength (Ps 105:4).

In our weakness, God’s strength and power reach perfection (2 Cor 12:9-10). As the song says, in Jesus, “we are weak, but He is strong.” Fortitude (strength) is a gift of the Holy Spirit bestowed on us in the Sacrament of Confirmation (Catechism, 1831, 1845). The Spirit strengthens us throughout our Christian life if we are open to receive His graces.

Jesus is meek (Mt 11:29) but He is not weak. He pours out the Holy Spirit upon us (Rm 5:5) and, with His strength, we can leap over a wall (Ps 18:30). Obstacles and barriers cannot keep us down. By waiting on the Lord, that is, by serving Him as does a waiter in a restaurant, God renews our strength (Is 40:31). We have strength in the Lord to bear even the heaviest cross.

PRAYER: Father, may I rely not on my own understanding and strength (see Prv 3:5-6). Give me both Your meekness and Your strength.
PROMISE: “He pardons all your iniquities, He heals all your ills.” —Ps 103:3
PRAISE: Through the intercession of St. Lucy, countless people have been healed of problems with the eyes.