Tuesday of the Sixth Week of Easter
Fr. Mychal Judge, a New York City priest, had a great prayer he used in his spiritual life. “Lord, take me where you want me to go. Let me meet who you want me to meet. Tell me what you want me to say, and keep me out of your way.”
This prayer carries with it a total openness to the will and plan of God in one’s life. Often we approach life in a way that hinders God’s plan, God’s dream for us. I cannot say it is bad to have goals or ambitions, yet we must keep them in line with God’s design. We must approach life with total openness to God’s plan and a love for His way of life. Fr. Michael Judge died really living out this prayer. He went into the burning buildings on September 11 to minister to the dying. He was struck by falling debris. He was carried out by firefighters. He was one of the first victims on September 11.
Jesus says in today’s Gospel that it is “better” for Him to go. It’s hard for mortal minds to fathom, yet Jesus was only meant to walk the Earth for a short time. He didn’t come to build an Earthly paradise. He built His Church on Earth to prepare us for our Heavenly home. And this means, like the apostles in today’s reading or Fr. Judge, we may be called to do things we never thought we would do.
The apostles did not find a paradise waiting for them in today’s readings as they were attacked by a mob, stripped, beaten, and thrown into prison. Paul and Silas continue to observe their prayers in prison. They would not allow the adversity of the moment to hinder them from honoring God through their religious observance. They are able to escape from prison with God’s help. They even manage to convert the jailer. He asks what he has to do to “be saved.” Then they instruct him on turning his life to Jesus. Even in prison, the Holy Spirit can convert souls to believe in Christ.
Never underestimate when and where God can use you to convert souls to Christ! Have you ever considered the significance of prison ministry? Or is there another ministry that you never thought of and might be called to do for the Kingdom of God? Would you be willing to attempt this endeavor?
Reflection by Br. Matthew Marie, OSB
Posted in Daily Reflections, Lenten Resources