like a rock
"You form a building which rises on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the Capstone." —Ephesians 2:20
The Lord specializes in making shaky, unstable, and doubting people into "living stones" (1 Pt 2:5) with rock-like faith, transforming them into pillars of the Church. For instance, Jesus came to doubting Thomas, and before long Thomas was crying out: "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28) Jesus took Simon and changed his name to Peter, meaning "Rock" (Jn 1:42). Peter wasn't true to his name at first, but, after being confirmed by the Spirit at Pentecost, Peter's faith never failed, and he was able to strengthen his brothers (Lk 22:32). Jesus met Nathanael, whose bigotry indicated his instability (see Jn 1:46). Before long, Nathanael was professing his faith in Jesus as "the Son of God" and "the King of Israel" (Jn 1:49). Nathanael also faltered in his faith but was finally confirmed by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Thomas, Peter, and Nathanael, with nine other unstable people, became the foundation stones of the Church (Eph 2:20; Rv 21:14).
Are you shaky in your faith? (see Jn 6:61) Are you able to be manipulated by pressures? Would you be martyred for love of Jesus or give in to fear and selfishness? Ask the Father and Jesus to renew you in your Confirmation by the Holy Spirit.
Prayer: Father, may I have the strength to be martyred for love of You.
Promise: "You became a believer because you saw Me. Blest are they who have not seen and have believed." —Jn 20:29
Praise: Thomas encouraged his fellow apostles to face martyrdom for Jesus' sake (see Jn 11:16).
Reference: (For related teaching, order our leaflet, Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 29, 1995
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, December 4, 1995