So often I feel entitled, that I am owed something. For so many of us, pride accompanies our drive for “success”. What is perceived as a good career, or an ideal family structure or living environment, fills our thoughts in our daily interactions and ways of life.
In actuality though, who am I in the grand scheme of things? Almost nothing. A speck of dust. It is Jesus who I must strive to emulate. He is my Rabbi, yet I struggle so much to incorporate His ways, His meekness, and His manner of loving others without desiring power, glory, or something else in return.
As the prophet Isaiah declares, He does not cry out when He is wronged. He does not fight to correct others, but is gentle and perfect in grace. The “bruised reed” (Isaiah 42:3, quoted in Matthew 12:20) is a metaphor for those who are weak, downtrodden, or spiritually broken. It is frequently paired with “a smoldering wick,” which represents those whose faith or spirit is nearly extinguished, but who will not be ignored by Christ.
I am in a constant state of conflict – right versus wrong, submissive versus dominant, malleable versus inflexible. I ask God to lead me, so that I can become more like Jesus Christ, but this must be an active exercise. It is not inherent within me but rather something I must consciously train for. This is where prayer and engaging in the Living Word are critical.
Help me Lord, to separate myself from the distractions of this earthly world and seek first and foremost Your way by becoming little and humble. May I not seek my own perception of justice, but may Thy Will be done.
Muchas veces creo que tengo privilegios o que me deben algo. Para muchos, el orgullo acompaña nuestro afán de buscar el “éxito”. Lo que se percibe como una buena carrera, una estructura familiar o un entorno de vida ideal, llena nuestros pensamientos en nuestras interacciones y estilos de vida diarios.
Pero, en realidad, ¿quién soy yo en el gran esquema de las cosas? Casi nada. Una mota de polvo. Es a Jesús a quien debo esforzarme por emular. Él es mi Rabino, pero me cuesta mucho incorporar sus caminos, su mansedumbre y su manera de amar a los demás sin desear poder, gloria ni nada a cambio.
Como declara el profeta Isaías, Él no clama cuando le hacen daño. No lucha por corregir a los demás, sino que es manso y perfecto en gracia. La “caña resquebrajada” (de Isaías 42,3, citado en Mateo 12,20) es una metáfora de quienes son débiles, oprimidos o espiritualmente quebrantados. Con frecuencia se asocia con “la mecha que aún humea“, que representa a aquellos cuya fe o espíritu está casi extinguido, pero que no serán ignorados por Cristo.
Estoy en constante conflicto: lo correcto contra lo incorrecto, sumiso contra dominante, maleable contra inflexible. Le pido a Dios que me guíe para ser más como Jesucristo, pero esto debe ser un ejercicio activo. No es algo inherente a mí, sino algo para lo que debo entrenarme conscientemente. Aquí es donde la oración y la participación en la Palabra Viva son cruciales.
Ayúdame, Señor, a apartarme de las distracciones de este mundo terrenal y buscar ante todo tu camino, haciéndome pequeño y humilde. Que no busque mi propia percepción de la justicia, sino que se haga tu voluntad.
Dr. Alexis Dallara-Marsh is a board-certified neurologist who practices in Bergen County, NJ. She is a wife to her best friend, Akeem, and a mother of four little ones on Earth and two others in heaven above.
Feature Image Credit: Yannick Pulver, unsplash.com/photos/brown-cross-on-brown-rock-during-daytime-FAU2NI1Uixg
The views and opinions expressed in the Inspiration Daily blog are solely those of the original authors and contributors. These views and opinions do not necessarily represent those of Diocesan, the Diocesan staff, or other contributors to this blog.
Daily Reading
Saturday of the Fifteenth Week in Ordinary Time
Reading 1 Micah 2:1-5 Woe to those who plan iniquity,and work out evil on their couches;In the morning light they accomplish itwhen it lies within their power.They covet fields, and…
Saint of the Day
Saint Bruno of Segni
Saint Bruno of Segni was a Benedictine bishop, serving as Vatican librarian and cardinal legate. He was called to Rome where his counsel was sought by four successive popes. The