Earlier this week I considered reason does not dominate my appetites and that’s why I sin. Even though I know it is not right or reasonable, I choose to sin anyway because at the time it is satisfying or pleasurable. In today’s 1st reading we are invited to take a look at that fact from another point of view. Paul does not only speak for himself in this section. He identifies with all of us.
What he says is I am not the master of my own salvation. God gives me the force to do so. If I go against a desire to sin it is because he gives me the means, that is the grace to do so. He’s not like he is the puppeteer who pulls the strings that makes me act. It is more like he has a tandum bike and invites me to pump along the way with him.
The conclusion of this fact is that my whole day should consist of short prayers for thanking him for the graces he has given me in the past and continue his generosity now and in the future. This same attitude should be intensified at special times of prayer - at Mass and particularly after receiving the Eucharist when I can remind him that I am a clumsy on a tandum bike .
Then there is today’s Gospel where I am reminded all humanity is riding toward the Savior, each day, riding, falling, crawling, getting closer to the end, watching passing road signs that tell the end is near. So, my prayer of thanksgiving should include prayers for those whom the Savior has come to save, which is for all.
Resolve: I shall say some extra prayers today for those throughout the world who suffer without knowing why, that the Savior will have a special regard for them when they near meeting him face to face.