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 previously 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: "My Lord and my God!" (Jn 20:28)
Reference: (To have a rock-like faith, read the Bible daily. For encouragement, order any or all of these audio or video tapes: Ignorance of Scripture is Ignorance of Christ, AV 82-1, V-82, How to Pray the Bible on audio AV 82-3 or on video V-82, How to Read the Bible on audio AV 46-3 or on video V-46, Principles of Bible Interpretation, audio AV 79-1, video V-79.)
Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, January 4, 2008
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