Are you troubled, sister?
The demons who stalk the Earth can take advantage of our weaknesses. They may make themselves known in our lives by encouraging us to feel out of control, worthless, and distant from God.
Maybe you’re like me, and you struggle with an anxiety disorder. You pray fervently for relief, but you still haven’t seen the miracle you’re looking for.
Other women may have spouses with a gambling or pornography addiction. Some women might struggle with motivation and procrastination. You may have a tendency to lie or be quick to anger. Maybe you yell at your kids too often or you judge your coworkers in your own head or aloud with gossip.
We know where we are weak, and that is where the demons strike. But Jesus knows too. He knows our weaknesses and understands them better than we do. He pondered the very weakness that is on your mind while he hung on the cross. Think about that: He thought of you while He was on the Cross. You. In 2017.
He also thought about the woman in today’s Gospel—her along with her daughter. So great was her faith that even when Jesus tested her, she persisted. And He heard her request and healed her daughter (so powerful are the prayers of a mother). (Matthew 15:28)
And in this circumstance, Jesus chose to heal. He took away the demons that were tormenting the daughter all because of faith. This type of passage leaves me wondering, “I have faith. Where is my miracle?”
Jesus may not heal me today, but if I look at how He has acted in my life, I can see how He has helped me through my weaknesses. He may be using my temptations to bolster my faith or the faith of another. We don’t know His ways, but we do know He can use evil and the hardships in our life for good.
So ask for that miracle. Ask God to take away your demon and believe He will. Go to Him in the Sacraments, receive your healing through the avenues of grace Jesus gave to us. Know that “The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness,” (Pope Benedict XVI) and our healing will come in God’s time be it all at once or little by little over the course of a lifetime.
Visit Our Lord in the Adoration or at Mass today, this week. Talk to Him.
Jenna Hines has a teeny army of children: Ellen, Samuel, Theodore, and Maryn and is married to a bearded fellow named Mike. She is happiest when it is sunny outside and she has an embroidery needle in her hand. You can find out more about her here.
8 Comments
Mary
August 9, 2017 at 5:59 amThank you for this reflection. I really needed it this morning! Perfect timing!
Maeghan
August 9, 2017 at 7:27 amThank you so much for this reflection! It was spot on for me and I appreciate your honesty!
Coco
August 9, 2017 at 8:49 amWhat a beautiful and insightful reflection. Amen! Thank you so much for this post. Thank you Lord for your love. Please continue to bless our sister Jenna and her darling family.
Cindy Tomek
August 9, 2017 at 10:41 amThank you for this:)
Clara
August 9, 2017 at 11:36 amSpeaks to my heart, thank you ? ??
Angela
August 9, 2017 at 12:54 pmJust what I needed to be reminded of today! Thank you and may God bless you today.
mitzi devlin
August 9, 2017 at 11:31 pmI struggle with anxiety………what works for me is to cast out the demons by saying this healing prayer: In the name of Jesus Christ, I cast satan to the foot of the cross and all of my current anxiety(name it specifically). Come Holy Spirit, give me peace(whatever it is you need at that moment). This is a powerful prayer.
Alice
August 10, 2017 at 2:32 amThis is exactly what I needed today! Thank you Jesus ❤