Resistance to Christ

Jesus desires us. He invites us to lose our life in order to find it. This paradox reflects Christ’s death and resurrection. To become his followers, we are not to adhere to our own power or authority or inner control. Instead, Christ longs to influence our choices, our actions, our speech and our way of life. Christ invites us to surrender to his grace within us.

Every morning I experience the sword he brings. So often, I hesitate to pray. I cling to my own ideas and thoughts about my world. Trying to solve my own problems is embedded in my ego. Resistance to Christ is often my first moment of the morning. I am afraid he will call me to become something I do not want to be. I feel my hesitation to lose my life in him in every deep breath.  

Everyone lives on this point of this sword. At times, we all fear letting God be God in our lives. No matter our age or experience, losing our strident ways, our false ideas, and our self-centered perceptions is not easy. Yet, if we become Christ’s followers, we breathe lovingly into his presence and ponder his abiding spirit within us. Surrender brings healing and forgiveness. The sword becomes peace. His love remedies fear.

His story of love is revealed in us to become prophets of forgiveness and service. Even a glass of cold water becomes witness to such love for those who ache for his mercy

Fr. Ronald Patrick Raab, CSC, serves as religious superior at Holy Cross House, a medical and retirement facility at Notre Dame, Indiana. He is a retreat director, award-winning author, and visual artist. Learn more at ronaldraab.com

Published in Give Us This Day, from Liturgical Press, Collegeville, MN