By Vinay Silva –
PART – 1: The need to be in need
God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. – 1Cor 1:27
The story of Gideon’s army defeating the Midianites (Judges Ch.7) is a classic example of how God accomplishes victory and deliverance in the face of extreme human weakness. God intentionally reduces the strength of Israel’s army from 32,000 men down to a mere 300 men to face the enemy’s army described to be ‘countless’ in number. In this situation of achieving victory through what is humanly impossible, God prevents Israel from taking any credit whatsoever. In turn, He displays His power and glory. The underlying lessons for the Israelites and for us today are those of acceptance of weakness, growth in humility, and an increase of faith in the Almighty living God. In the face of adversity, we simply have to learn to lean on Him and wait upon Him.
The PERFECTION that Jesus is calling us to:
“Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matt 5:48
This verse does not mean that we are to be the very best in all that we do, or hold the No.1 spot in all our endeavours. It is an interior perfection and inner transformation that the Lord Jesus is referring to and has absolutely nothing to do with exterior achievements. It is only through weakness that we can humble ourselves, learn to truly call upon His name, to make Him our refuge, to rely on the strength that He provides and depend on Him at all times. God does not make everyone equal in all aspects. Some graces and gifts are bestowed on some, while other graces and gifts are bestowed on others. It is important to accept this and to overcome the human tendency for comparison.
If everything goes our way and we are continuously stable and steady with our abilities, appearances and looks, achievements and certificates, income, relationships, health, ministries, etc, then it is very likely that pride will set in. An inner arrogance and judgemental attitude also slowly manifests in a person. The prayer life will lessen in intensity and dependence on God decreases. The tragic result is that the redemptive work of Jesus on the Cross will not be understood clearly, and the power of the Resurrection will also not be experienced tangibly. Sadly, faith will have a tendency to be lived out merely from the head and not from the heart.
On the other hand, having weaknesses trains us to look to Jesus and desire the strength that He provides, and not depend on mere human strength. It humbles us and brings us to our knees. There is an aspect of waiting on the Lord and gaining both patience and endurance. Intimacy with the Lord increases and there is an inner transformation through dependence on Him. This is pleasing to the Lord and enhances spiritual growth. Through the experience of weakness and human frailty, we get an understanding of the words of Jesus to Paul: ”My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness”. Paul goes on to say:
So I will boast all the more of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am content with weaknesses … for whenever I am weak, then I am strong. – 2Cor 12:9, 10
Sanctity consists in struggling, in knowing that we have defects and in heroically trying to overcome them. – St. Josemaria Escriva.
We have to understand that God’s ways and thoughts are way beyond ours (Is 55:8-9). At times, human reasoning and logic may need to be discarded. The unfolding of the mystery of inner purification happens for the sincere disciple in unexpected and perhaps unwanted situations, which the human mind may consider as a waste of time. In short, weaknesses are allowed by God for a divine, redemptive purpose. If these are humbly acknowledged and dealt with through prayer with the leading of the Holy Spirit, the outcome is only a greater good. A cleansing and sanctification takes place within and these bear fruit for all eternity.
Experiencing the Power of Jesus
He gives power to the faint, and strengthens the powerless. – Is 40:29
It is only in true poverty of spirit and realising that without Him, we are nothing (Jn 15:5) that this power of Jesus can be experienced. A sincere cry from the heart can do wonders. Realising that the help that God gives (Ps 121:2) and that the strength that He provides (1Pet 4:11) surpasses anything that the world can offer, let us approach Him, look to Him lovingly and take up His invitation.
Come to me you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. – Matt 11:28
Prayer before the Holy Eucharist is one of the ways forward. Pouring out our hearts to Jesus here reaps spiritual rewards in abundance. An encounter with the living God takes place if one is truly praying from the heart. While the pain or distress may not go away, the healing graces and divine presence of Jesus can definitely be experienced.
Spend as much time as possible in front of the Blessed Sacrament and He will fill you with His strength and His power. – Mother Teresa, Kolkata
Prayer:
I need Thee, Oh I need Thee,
Every hour I need Thee!
O bless me now, my Saviour,
I come to Thee.
Vinay Silva is an architect from Bangalore. About 15 years ago, he experienced a renewal in his faith life and has been spiritually inclined ever since. He has recently completed a 2-year commitment on full time basis with a lay Catholic community. Over the recent 4-5 years, he has been actively involved in sharing God’s Word in small groups and through writing. For about 2 years, he led the Small Christian Community (SCC) meetings at his parish along with teaching at a few prayer groups. About 25 articles of his have been published in various Catholic magazines. His desire is for the prayer life to be strengthened in the Church today and for an awakening of faith for the glory of God.