TO SACRIFICE FOR OTHERS.
“Actions speak louder than words”. The good wishes we exchange are usually mere good words that do not solve problems. What do I benefit if my neighbour wins the lottery and I still remain poor? The raising of Lazarus by Jesus would have been of little significance to us if death were still our end point. But Jesus raised Lazarus and worked many miracles to show that his saving power reaches everyone. Nobody is deprived of Jesus’ love. As the Son of God, he has power; he gives his grace to convert our heart, so that we may receive his salvation. God’s grace does not cease to touch the heart of every man and woman.
As Jesus’ disciples, we cannot deny our help, no matter how insignificant it is, to anyone who needs it, neither can we impose it just as Jesus did not force anybody to believe in him, or to accept his love and offer of salvation. Many times we feel unable to help our neighbour to solve their problems, to change their attitude, to not reject the light of the Gospel. If we truly want the good of others, our last resort is to pray, ask God our Lord that his grace may touch the heart of those for whom we pray, knowing that he will respect their freedom, but convinced that the Holy Spirit has infinite means, countless ways of breaking the hardness of the human heart and opening it to God’s grace.
Do you believe in the power of prayer? What do you ask for those whom you pray for: the light of the Holy Spirit and conversion, faithfulness to the will of God, strength to overcome trials? Or do you only pray for material benefits or to satisfy you interests?
