an instrumental
"This man is the instrument I have chosen." —Acts 9:15
The Lord often decides to work through people, especially members of His body, the Church. After the Lord knocked Saul to the ground and confronted him, the Lord did not continue His work in Saul's life as a solo. He called for Ananias to be instrumental in converting Saul (Acts 9:10). Saul then became instrumental in converting both Jews and Gentiles.
The Lord also wants you to be His instrument. You are one of the Lord's instruments in His plans to protect children in the womb from being aborted. You are also God's instrument in proclaiming the Gospel to those with whom you live and work. You are God's instrument in feeding the poor, healing the sick, and driving out demons.
You are God's mouth, hands, and feet. God has decided to make Himself handicapped without your obedient service. In Holy Communion, the Lord gives His flesh and blood to you (Jn 6:55). In a different way, you must give your flesh and blood to Him. He wants your body to be His weapon for justice (Rm 6:13). He wants, and even needs you at this point in His plan of salvation (see Heb 11:40).
Many of us have prayed the "Prayer of St. Francis." We have asked the Lord to make us "instruments" of His peace. The Lord has answered our prayer. Accept His answer. Be His instrument.
Prayer: Risen Lord, "here I am" (Acts 9:10). Use me for Your Kingdom; use me up.
Promise: "The man who feeds on My flesh and drinks My blood remains in Me, and I in him." —Jn 6:56
Praise: Martin's guitar string broke during Mass. Suddenly, the Holy Spirit revealed to him that he was out of tune with God, just as was his own instrument in his hands. Martin repented of disdaining "the discipline of the Lord" (Heb 12:5) and allowed Jesus to make him a finely tuned instrument for His service.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, November 9, 1996
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, November 15, 1996