Wednesday of the Fourth Week in Ordinary Time

Lectionary: 323

Brothers and sisters:
In your struggle against sin
you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood.

 

In the struggle against sin, not only have we “not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood,” we’re more often like petted dogs who roll on their back and beg for more! The New Testament authors are very familiar with human nature, our predilection for the broad path that leads to ruin, our struggle against sin, and the victory that is promised by the Gospel.

I have learned much from the Twelve Step movement, which is a response to the epidemics of alcoholism and drug abuse. Addiction is essentially a disease of the will. Users who hope to quit the abusive habit with “will power” don’t realize their “will” is severely debilitated. They are, in fact, powerless and their lives are unmanageable. Nothing they decide is decided if it depends upon their decisiveness. Slaves of the substance they wait upon its demands; they want what it wants -- which can change without a moment’s notice.

With the third step of the program persons in recovery decide to turn their life and will over to the care of God. They will be obedient to the will of God. But God makes slaves of no one except through the allure of love. Recovering users always know they can return to their abuse, and they often do. Very few swear off the substance once and for all and never suffer a relapse. Many “fall off the wagon” repeatedly, to the consternation of their family, friends, and colleagues. As Jesus sadly remarked, “Many are called; few are chosen.”

Those in recovery – and call no one recovered before they’re dead! – truly surrender their life and will to God. They learn to pray daily and many times a day, asking only for the knowledge of God’s will and the power to carry it out. Like willing slaves, they return to the Master each day and say, “What would you have me do today?” if today’s chores are precisely like yesterdays, they’re not the same because each day is a new day. Each day is received with gratitude and confidence in the One who remains with us and guides us daily.

Their will power grows as they choose what they do not want because they don't want it. They attend the meeting, apologize for misconduct, return borrowed or stolen goods, and talk with people they'd rather avoid. Sinful habits fade into the past and good habits appear. They forget the familiar paths that led inevitably and repeatedly to sin. They recognize Satan’s temptations to do good and consult with the Lord about every decision. They might even say, “Here is what I want to do, but what do You want me to do?” Sharing their thoughts, desires, and impulses with trusted friends and advisors often helps to discern God’s will for them. Daily they return to prayer as they choose safer, clearer paths.

Jesus taught us to pray daily that we should not be led into temptation; that is, we should not be led to the point of shedding blood. We never suppose our will power is strong enough to face physical or emotional violence. There is no reason to invite such challenges. But we do celebrate the martyrs who astonished themselves and the world with their courage in the face of violence. Like Jesus, we pray daily to be guided by their Spirit that sacrifices everything in love for the Father.