One of the hardest things for me to accept in my illness is that sometimes I can't get around on my own. I've needed a cane, a walker, and at times, a wheelchair, because my legs just won't cooperate. Even now, when I'm going through a time of pretty good walking ability, I judge how well I'll be able to handle an outing or event by the amount and type of walking I'll have to do. Will I have to walk a long distance? Is the surface flat? Is it hot outside, because that makes my legs tingle? Will I have to be on my feet all day? If I am going to have a rough "walking" day, will I have a couple of days to rest after? Will I be with someone who can help me if my legs stop cooperating? Those are all questions that come to mind almost every time I leave the house for an outing.
Today, as I read my morning devotionals a theme seemed to surface. The theme, in a nutshell, is this:
"The path to Christ and eternal life is often long, winding, and narrow. It can be rocky and treacherous. We have no way of knowing what lies around the next curve."
So my first thought was: I need my cane!
But here's the kicker...(theme in a nutshell, part 2):
"We are not to rely on any worldly things to help us walk this path."
Great. No assistive devices.
The Apostles didn't have transportation!
In today's Gospel (Matthew 10:7-15), Jesus gave his apostles a pretty big task of going town to town and curing the sick, cleansing the lepers, raising the dead and driving out demons. That sounds like a lot of walking. And Jesus tells them that they aren't to take any provisions from the people they visit:
"Do not take gold or silver or copper for your belts; no sack for the journey, or a second tunic, or sandals, or walking stick."
If you backtrack a few chapters in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus gives us a litany of instructions on how to live. It's all right there in black and white. He tells us about God and money, warns us about judging others, teaches us to pray and gives us the Lord's Prayer, and even explains the Golden Rule. And after he does all that, he tells us about this difficult path we are to expect.
"Enter through the narrow gate; for the gate is wide and the road broad that leads to destruction, and those who enter through it are many. How narrow the gate and constricted the road that leads to life. And those who find it are few." (Matthew 7:13-14).
So Jesus explained all we needed to know to live IN him, and then he gives us this warning that it won't be easy, but will be worth it.
Walking Assisted
They say that God's word speaks to each person in a different way. I truly believe that. Because if you read the same devotionals and readings as me this morning, you may have gotten a different message. But God's message to me was loud and clear. I am supposed embrace all of my difficulties, my sufferings, my physical pain, my mental and emotional stress, my worry and anxiety. This is my long, winding, narrow path! I am not to rely on "people, possessions or status" to get me down this road. (Jesus Calling, July 11).
Now don't take me the wrong way. I know that I need some of those things in truth. God has given me the gifts of loving, supportive, beautiful people in my life to help me on my journey. And let's be honest, we all need some "things" to help us from day to day. But we are to prefer NONE of these to God. Easier said than done, I know. That is part of the long, winding, narrow path! But by doing all that we can to call on Him to be our guide, our refuge, our strength, our support, He will eventually straighten and widen the path and it will lead right to the pearly gates. So HE is our assistive device.
We can learn how to walk this path by looking at the lives of the saints. In speaking of St. Benedict, Fr. Aelred of Rievaulx (+1167) said:
"But our blessed Father Benedict did not follow this way (the way of sinners). He did not lead a degenerate life but held fast to [the way] of which it is said: The way of the just is straight. Although narrow, it leads to life. The way is narrow at the beginning but afterwards, as blessed Benedict himself teaches us in his Rule, one runs in the way of God's commandments in the unutterable sweetness of love. For those who are beginning, [the way] is indeed narrow, as it was for David when he said: Because of the words of your mouth I have followed harsh ways. But did this prophet, because he found it narrow in the beginning, either abandon or decide that he should abandon it? God forbid! Rather, he held fast until he could make this very different statement. I have run in the way of your commandments because you have enlarged my heart." (Magnificat, 7/11/13)
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord, we know the path to you and to eternal life is often long, winding, and narrow. It can be rocky and treacherous. We have no way of knowing what lies around the next curve. But you know. You are already there. Please help us to rely on your divine assistance as we walk this path. Help us to be grateful for the journey you have set for us. Give us patience, courage and strength as we try to resist the temptation of relying on things of this world. Please forgive us when we stumble and remind us that you are there, ready to provide assistance on our walk. Enlarge my heart that I may be ready to receive all your blessings. Amen.
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