Go Where You Are Led
Amen, amen, I say to you, when you were younger,
you used to dress yourself and go where you wanted;
but when you grow old, you will stretch out your hands,
and someone else will dress you
and lead you where you do not want to go. (Jn 21:18)
I think it is safe to assume that none of us wants to suffer.
I think it is safe to assume that none of us likes to be shunned.
I think it is safe to assume that none of us desires to be brutalized.
I do not think it is safe to assume that none of those things will ever happen to us, though!
Being a Christian is definitely “dangerous” business.
Jesus spoke to Peter. He gave him a chance to redeem himself for the three times that he denied Christ. Then, Jesus indicated to Peter the manner in which Peter would die.
Suffering — and, perhaps, even death — is part and parcel of following the Lord.
It is probably not a path that many of us would choose for ourselves.
However, we should be open to that path if that is the way that the Lord leads us. Because, after all, it is always better to follow the Lord than to turn away from Him. Even if our path should lead through suffering and death, with the Lord on our side, it is bearable.
FAITH ACTION: Pray the Prayer of Abandonment of Charles de Foucald:
Father,
I abandon myself into your hands; do with me what you will.
Whatever you may do, I thank you:
I am ready for all, I accept all.
Let only your will be done in me, and in all your creatures.
I wish no more than this, O Lord.Into your hands I commend my soul;
I offer it to you
with all the love of my heart,
for I love you, Lord,
and so need to give myself,
to surrender myself into your hands,
without reserve,
and with boundless confidence,
for you are my Father.