A Friend Who Makes Me Reliable
by Fr. David M. Knight
Monday, January 22, 2024
Week III in Ordinary Time
Lectionary No. 317
2Samuel 5:1-7, 10; Psalm 89; Mark 3:22-30
"With my holy oil I have anointed him,… that my arm may make him strong.” Psalm 89:20
How many people rely on me? Need me? Trust me?
Could anyone make me reliable, trustworthy, if I’m really not?
Jesus can, and does.
At Baptism Jesus anointed me to continue his mission as Prophet, Priest and King. Before he sent me out, he sent the Holy Spirit into my heart to abide with me, enlighten me, strengthen me. Jesus relies on me, because he relies on the Holy Spirit within me to make me reliable.
How does he know I will follow his Holy Spirit? Because the Spirit gives me love for him. Friendship makes friends reliable. Friends empower friends—through relationship.
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of unity and love. She makes me one with the Father and the Son as she makes them one with themselves: in love.
Father, protect them… so they may be one, as we are one… As you, Father, are in me and I am in you, may they also be in us…one, as we are one, I in them and you in me… completely one…so the world may know you have… loved them even as you have loved me. (John 17:11-23).
Friendship is interaction. Interact with Jesus and he will make you reliable forever.
ACTION: When you doubt yourself, put your hand on your heart and remember who is there.
PRAYER: “Lord, do this with me, do this in me, do this through me.”
Reflections brought to you by the Immersed in Christ Ministry
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