With fear and trembling

Week 31 Wednesday – Phil 2:12-18; Ps 26:1,4,13-14; Luke 14:25-33

Saint Paul’s words cut straight to the heart: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God…” He tells us we ought to shine like bright stars!

Yet look at us, British Christians today. What a heartbreaking contrast. We’ve surrendered to the spirit of the age — trading Christ’s call for an “eye for an eye.” We constantly play the victim, outraged and fiercely demanding our rights. We don’t look like blameless children of God; we just look like another noisy, self-interested pressure group. We’re failing to light up the dark.

I don’t want this for us. I ache to be truly holy.

I still hear Saint John Paul II urging youth to demand much of themselves, even if no one else does. I’m not young anymore, but those words pierce my soul today. I must demand more of myself — a life of radical, honest virtue.

Otherwise, what am I? Just stale salt and a smouldering lamp. If I compromise, I’ll bring no flavour to this world, and I’ll light the way for no one. Lord, save me from a lukewarm heart!