Ordinary Time 
Pause
Life is often a struggle and sometimes it is dangerous. There are many things that can cause us to stumble and it’s easy to be afraid of what is “out there.”
But the way of Jesus is one that calls us to risk, to dare, to take a chance. This is the way Jesus lived and the path to which he calls us.
It’s good to know that, all along the way, we are covered and cared for, protected by the Spirit of God. Whether or not you are feeling vulnerable right now, trust in the Spirit to watch over you.
Listen
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time. Cast all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.
Discipline yourselves, keep alert. Like a roaring lion your adversary the devil prowls around, looking for someone to devour. Resist him, steadfast in your faith, for you know that your brothers and sisters in all the world are undergoing the same kinds of suffering.
And after you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, support, strengthen, and establish you. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 5:6–11
Think
“Humble yourselves.” I have trouble with those words because I think they have often been misused. To be humble doesn’t mean to think you are worthless. God made you and cares about you; you are not worthless to God. I think being humble means being honest about who you are. Acknowledge your defects and your gifts, your mistakes and your accomplishments; be honest about it all. You don’t have to put yourself down in order to lift up our great and glorious God.
When we are honest about who we are, we know what disciplines—spiritual and/or physical—we need to develop and maintain. When we are honest about who we are, we recognize the things that tempt us most. When we are honest about who we are, we are aware that we aren’t the only ones who struggle. When we are honest about who we are, we realize that we need God’s grace. Then we can honestly answer God’s call to the here-and-now eternal life that comes from knowing Christ.
Julie Ball
Pray
God of all truth, remind me of the truth about myself. Help me to be honest with myself, with others, and with you. Amen.
Go
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.
1 Peter 1:3–5
