March 18, 2022

In a world that prizes autonomy, control, and the unfettered freedom to do whatever you want to do and be whomever you want to be, the bible’s message sounds odd and antiquated. And yet, here it is: your limitations, your givens, and yes, even your woes are your gifts and the means of your happiness. 

St. Paul had some sort of plaguing limitation. He begged God over and over to remove it. God’s answer? “Three times I pleaded with the Lord to take it away from me. But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” (2 Cor 12:8-9)

Where you are powerless, Christ’s power rests on you.

“Almighty God, you alone can bring into order the unruly wills and affections of sinners: Grant your people grace to love what you command and desire what you promise; that, among the swift and varied changes of the world, our hearts may surely there be fixed where true joys are to be found; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.” (Fifth Sunday in Lent – BCP)