"The Spirit comes to the aid of our weakness; for we do not know how to pray as we ought,
but the Spirit himself intercedes with inexpressible groanings" (Romans 8:26-27).
Most of us struggle with something in our lives. St. Paul tells us that God is aware of our imperfections and weaknesses, and so He does not leave us alone. He helps us with His Spirit. Though Paul was speaking specifically of the help we receive to pray, he knows that the support from the Spirit is not limited to prayer. It covers a range of aspects of our lives and struggles. The Spirit can help us fill the gaps in our lives to handle the fears, anger, failures, addictions, and painful and unforgettable experiences.
"...for power, whenever you will, attends you. And you taught your people, by these deeds,
that those who are just must be kind" (Wisdom 12:18).
When dealing with weaknesses and struggles, one needs a power more dynamic and mightier than the person's courage and willpower to get through them. The Book of Wisdom points to God as full of power. Because God is the power beyond us, we can ask Him for help. The good news is that He shares His power with us, and that is why He has given the Holy Spirit to aid believers to deal with their struggles.
"He replied, 'No if you pull up the weeds you might uproot the wheat along with them.
Let them grow together until the harvest"(Matt 13: 29-30b).
God is patient with us, so why do not you also be patient with yourself. We do not have to become comfortable with weaknesses and imperfections. On the contrary, we should not be impatient with ourselves. In the parable of the wheat and the weeds, we learn how vital t it is not to rush in life but keep our heads high and allow God to readjust us.
One thing has become clear to me over the years, and the readings reaffirm it, we should not mistake our Catholic Christian identity. Knowing that we are Christians and doing and staying close to our faith forms the basis for getting God's power we need to handle our imperfection. There is strength and peace in knowing that we are God’s children; it enables us to surrender and wait upon the Lord to act.
Prayer blessings: Lord, we are honored with the name of Christian and children of God. Help us sing with praises to You and be united with You. Amen.