A Friend Who Delivers
by Fr. David M. Knight
Thursday, January 18, 2024
Week II in Ordinary Time
Lectionary No. 314
1Samuel 18:6-9; 19:1-7; Psalm 56; Mark 3:7-12
"In God I trust; I shall not fear." Psalm 56:11
Don’t we hate it when we see ourselves reacting in ways that disgust us? Petty jealousies? Dislike of others that we know is really rooted in envy? (The difference: jealousy is minor: just wanting what another has. Envy is major, Saul’s sin: wanting to destroy the other for having it). Constant self-seeking, resentments, lust, greediness? Like the crowds in the Gospel, we even want to use Jesus to serve us (e.g. for healing) instead of accepting what he wants to teach us and serving him.
Like Paul, we cry out, “Who will deliver me from this body of death?” (Romans 7:24). Is it self-seeking to cultivate friendship with Jesus because he can?
No, because it is what Jesus came to do: to “give life, Life to the full” (John 10:10). And because he can only rescue us by empowering us to die to ourselves and live for others in Love.
The name “Jesus” means what he does: “God saves.” That is a good reason to build relationship with him.
Remember: relationship = interaction. Our relationships are defined by the length, breadth, height and depth of our interactions.
Jesus is a friend who delivers—in both senses: he frees and comes through on his promises.
Friendship is interaction. Interact with Jesus and he will deliver you from whatever is holding you back.
ACTION: Whenever you feel disgusted with yourself, talk to Jesus about it.
PRAYER: “Lord, be with me. Let me be with you.”
Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry
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