In business, you surround yourself with an A-Team . . . those who work together to achieve a mutual goal. At least you think the best of the best are assembled. The ego is a funny thing, lay apostles. It can spring itself upon the unsuspecting at any moment, throwing off the equilibrium of the team. The trick is to maintain balance and focus on the goal at hand, letting the "Whirling Dervishes" whirl while you complete the task. And, remember Jesus encountered many whose ego got in the way of seeing who He really was . . . the Son of God. Get rid of the ego and get some humility. I have to add this quote I found in Volume Seven from St. Damien:
"When man swells in his heart and feels that it is he himself who is accomplishing these things, the trouble begins. Egos are difficult friends and dreadful rulers. Keep your ego on a very short leash and understand that your merit lies in your obedience to Christ. Do not take credit for what Christ does through you. He cannot entrust great missions to you if your ego swells with each success. When your work is successful, praise God. When your work fails, praise God. When the sun shines, praise God. When the rain falls, praise God. Do you get the idea? You serve Him and He will do great things through you."
The Gospel reading (Luke 11:14-23) leaves me with this thought . . . Jesus is and was one patient, focused Man:
Jesus was driving out a demon that was mute, and when the demon had gone out, the mute man spoke and the crowded were amazed. Some of them said, “By the power of Beelzebul, the prince of demons, he drives out demons.” Others, to test him, asked him for a sign from heaven. But he knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself will be laid waste and house will fall against house. And if Satan is divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand? For you say that it is by Beelzebul that I drive out demons. If I, then, drive out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your own people drive them out? Therefore they will be your judges. But if it is by the finger of God that I drive out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you. When a strong man fully armed guards his palace, his possessions are safe. But when one stronger than he attacks and overcomes him, he takes away the armor on which he relied and distributes the spoils. Whoever is not with me is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.”
In Volume Five, Jesus reiterates what we have always known as Christians . . . if you aren't choosing God, you are choosing the enemy:
"Another darkness is coming and it will be a physical darkness. You will see it with your physical sense of sight. This has been foretold and does not surprise some of you, as I, Myself, have allowed many to understand what is in the future. Be at peace, holy souls, because this darkness and time of trial is willed by Me and I can only will what is good for My children. I will take many of you to heaven at that time and your reward will be far beyond your expectation. I will compensate you for experiencing this difficult time with the greatest and most sublime of graces during the transition from this world to the next. You see that you need not be afraid. Only if you have chosen against Me and continue to rebelliously sin should you be fearful. Repent. Do so now, today."
Lay apostles, are you letting your damaged ego get in the way of your work for Jesus and this mission? If you are, stop it now. Give up control and stay humble. Let's focus on bringing the attention to Christ, not ourselves.
Thank you, Lord, for the lessons you are teaching me about staying humble while chaos is brewing. Continue to hold my tongue when I want to react negatively!
God bless,
Bonnie
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