The Secret of Success

July 17: Thursday of Week 15 of Ordinary Time, Year A-II:

Isaiah 26:7-9, 12, 16-19; Psalm 102:13-14, 15, 16-18, 19-21; Matthew 11:28-30

Thoughts to help us surrender to Jesus expressing himself through us in ministry.

The Secret of Success

“Learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart.” Matthew 11:29

Ministry is the ultimate experience of powerlessness. Even sin we can reject—theoretically—with our free wills. But we cannot bestow grace or force its acceptance on anyone. With Isaiah we cry out like a woman in labor: “Salvation we have not achieved for the earth; the inhabitants of the world cannot bring it forth.”

Jesus answers: “Come to me, all you who labor…, and I will give you rest.” He reminds us and promises: “You did not choose me but I chose you. And I appointed you to go and bear fruit, fruit that will last” (John 15:16).

The secret of success is knowing where it comes from. And trusting, regardless of visible results. Jesus says, “The Father will give you whatever you ask him in my name.” We say, “It is you who have accomplished all we have done.”

Ministry is built on faith, sustained by hope, and experienced as love. Achievement doesn’t enter into it. Ministry depends on and drives us to union with God. The more we go out to people, the more we cry out to God: “My soul yearns for you in the night…”

And Isaiah responds in God’s name: “Awake and sing, you who lie in the dust. For the land of shades gives birth.”

To those who minister, God promises a posterity.

PRAY: “Lord, act with me, act in me, act; through me.”

PRACTICE: Persevere.