SUFFICIENT GRACE

Meditation for Saturday of 11th Week in Ordinary Time
(2 Cor 12:1-10; Mt 6:24-34)

‘Packaging’ has become a common norm, especially among the younger generation. ‘Impressionism’ is commonly accepted as ‘gate pass’ in one’s quest for success. We easily accept honour that does not reflect our commitment or sacrifice. While we readily project a good image, deep within we battle with our weaknesses and struggles. Though St Paul appeared to have conquered his weakness, he reframed from boasting about it to avoid being elevated more than he should, especially as the battle with his weaknesses was still raging. However, through his experiences of struggles and victory, St Paul gives us hope in our battles with ourselves.

“And to keep me from being too elated by the abundance of revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated.” St Paul said three times he asked the Lord to remove this thorn from him, but he got the same answer: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” The struggles and weakness that was designed to bring the children of God down has now become the entrance point of grace! So we humbly acknowledge our weaknesses, while cooperating with the power of Christ that is on us. “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities; for when I am weak, then I am strong.”

Since the grace of God is at work in us even in our weaknesses, we need not be anxious about our lives, what to eat, drink, clothes wear not about the body. Jesu says, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well.” The grace of God is sufficient today as we battle with each days troubles and struggles. Being anxious about tomorrow is an expression of lack of faith and trust in the efficacy of God’s grace. Such anxiety transports the person to the realm where there is no grace to sustain him. So, “Let the day’s own trouble be sufficient for the day”, since the grace of God is sufficient to triumph at every moment.

Our help is in the name of the Lord; who made heaven and earth! Amen.

Fr Jude Chinwenwa Nwachukwu, C.Ss.R
Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Church,
Tedi-Muwo, Ojo, Lagos.
Saturday June 19^th, 2021.
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