Christ Jesus, help me accept God’s discipline ...

Romans  9:1-5
 
Like a child, when I disappoint myself and my ‘Abba, Father’, I often try to avoid the consequence of my behaviour and the disciplining, -the disciple-ing – hand of the Lord. Instead of accepting the Lord’s correction, when the predictable consequences of my erroneous behaviour result in suffering, I am more likely, like a young child, to run away and hide; or like a feisty 8 year old to point the finger and say, ‘she/he made me do it’; or like a reluctant teenager to talk back to God and go out and do my own thing; or like a young adult, shake my fist at heaven and explode, ‘Why me, God?’.  But when I accept the Lord’s discipline, I find myself growing in patience, perseverance and love as I take responsibility for my own actions, and learn through the consequences of my foolish words or action.  Then, like Paul, I can live into ‘the gifts and the calling of God which are irrevocable’, and look to Jesus for help to live the way our Father God has designed us to live.  Am I truly interested in becoming a beloved daughter of God?  Christ Jesus, help me accept God’s discipline.  
 
Happy are those whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law, giving respite from days of trouble.  (Psalm 94:1)


Pain and suffering have come into your life, but remember pain, sorrow and suffering are but the kiss of Jesus – a sign that you have come so close to Him that He can kiss you.
St. Mother Teresa of Calcutta   


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