Memorial of St. Alphonsus Liguori, Bishop and Doctor of the Church
Jeremiah gives us a striking image, which is a favorite for many people. The word of the Lord came to Jeremiah and said, “Indeed, like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, house of Israel.” A hardened or stubborn heart is like dry clay that only cracks and is impossible to be shaped or molded. By setting aside our own plans we can decide what type of clay we want to be in the hands of the Divine potter.
The Church venerates the saints because their lives showed a docility to be formed by the Lord. I think what we are seeking is to be free and unselfish in the hands of the Lord. It’s about the freedom to give ourselves in generous service and love to others and whatever God asks of us. We want to be free to do or say what God wants us to do or say at any moment. It is to be free to be exactly the type of saint that God wants us to be, not enslaved, not under the weight of discouragement, annoyance, or pride, but free to respond in charity. It is a freedom to follow God’s will and the direction of the Holy Spirit.
The invitation for you is to make an act of faith, expressing our confidence toward God, that He is acting, that He will act, and to give Him the permission to do in your life whatever He desires.
Reflection by Fr. Paul Sheller, OSB
Posted in Articles for Ordinary Time, Daily Reflections