May 24, 2004 Daily Prayer with Regnum Christi




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For all who have been led astray by ideas contrary to the teachings of the Church.





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Fear Not!



May 24, 2004
Monday of the Seventh Week of Easter

John 16: 29-33
His disciples said to Jesus, "Now you are talking plainly, and not in any figure of speech. Now we realize that you know everything and that you do not need to have anyone question you. Because of this we believe that you came from God." Jesus answered them, "Do you believe now? Behold, the hour is coming and has arrived when each of you will be scattered to his own home and you will leave me alone. But I am not alone, because the Father is with me. I have told you this so that you might have peace in me. In the world you will have trouble, but take courage, I have conquered the world."

Introductory Prayer:Thank you Lord for this new day, and for the opportunity to be here with you in prayer. I look forward to this heart-to-heart dialogue with you, and I ask you to truly open my heart and mind to listen and follow your plan for me today.

Petition:Lord, you tell me not to be afraid and to trust in you, but my nature is weak and I often put too much trust in myself and not enough in your love. Please increase my trust in you and never allow me to doubt that your grace will be enough.

1. Why Fear? “ ‘Fear not.’ Fear can condition one´s freedom of choice and lead to decisions contrary to one´s convictions. How can I overcome fear? Jesus himself shows the way to master this instinct, so deeply rooted in human nature. The way lies in discovering God´s personal love for everyone –– in discovering the loving care with which he follows even in the most insignificant events in the lives of his children. On the strength of this discovery man no longer feels alone; he knows that he can abandon himself with complete confidence to the provident wisdom of a Father who never permits evil unless it is for a greater good” (Pope John Paul II, Homily, Sept. 3, 1989). What a beautiful quote from our Holy Father! He knows human nature so well, yet he also understands the power of God’s grace and the personal interest Christ has in each one of us. Christ is our true friend and he will never abandon us, he will never let us down and never give us more that we can handle.

2. “I Can Do All Things in Him in Whom I Trust”. This quote from St. Paul (2 Timothy 1:12) was the motto and driving force for his apostolate. Although he was gifted with extraordinary human qualities and a strong scholarly preparation, he knew that without the help of God’s grace he would bear no fruit on the apostolate. St. Paul had plenty to fear, “I have done more work, I have been in prison more, I have been flogged more severely, many times exposed to death. Five times I have been given the thirty-nine lashes by the Jews: three times I have been beaten with sticks; once I was stoned; three times I have been shipwrecked, and once I have been in the open sea for a night and day…” (2 Corinthians 11:23-26). Yet, he knew that God would never let him down. He trusted that God’s grace would give him the strength to endure any temptation, trial or difficulty; and that in the end, he would emerge victorious.

3. Leave Your Comfort Zone! “Preaching the Gospel has always entailed a grave risk. Today is no exception. To be an apostle means endangering your reputation and status and even your life; it means leaving your comfort zone and not fearing to be labeled as crazy or a dreamer. This doesn’t unsettle a true apostle. He knows he is running a risk, but he is sure of what he is reaping.” (Christ is My Life, Fr Father Marcial Maciel, LC, n.149). As Christ’s apostles, we cannot allow fear to paralyze our efforts. Our family, friends and all the people who surround our life at work or play are souls that need to be touched by Christ’s message. Time is short and there is real urgency to go out and evangelize these souls for Christ … with our prayer and especially with our love. In the end, what really matters is what we did for Christ and others. We will be judged on our love!

Dialogue with Christ: Christ, I naturally tend to avoid the cross, the cross you have providentially given me as a sure means of holiness and bearing much fruit. Help me not to fear, but to embrace my cross. Help me follow your inspirations, trusting that with your grace, I will emerge victorious from the battle. I love you Lord; fill my heart with your grace so as to love you more!

Resolution: I will have greater zeal in fulfilling all of my apostolic commitments to Christ.

Vocation.com announces a pilgrimage to the Eternal City for college-aged men and High School Seniors discerning God´s will in their lives. For more information click here.

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