WEDNESDAY II LENT: I confess my weakness and place my confidence in your strength and power

Can you drink the chalice that I am going to drink?” 
They said to him, “We can.” 
He replied, “My chalice you will indeed drink. (Mt. 20:22-23)

Our Lord Jesus Christ has left to us the task of continuing the great work of the redemption of mankind. It is towards this unique end that all our efforts must tend; as long as we will not have spent our whole life and given all our blood to achieve this, we can say nothing; especially when as yet we have given only a few drops of sweat and a few spells of fatigue.

Letter of Eugene de Mazenod to Father Tempier, August 22, 1817

REFLECTION

Eternal Father, I offer you whatever I shall do this day and renounce all search for selfish satisfaction. I confess my weakness and place my confidence in your strength and power.

Eternal Word, I offer you all my thoughts and words this day and I reject beforehand all presumption and ambition, all that may be vain and useless. In your light and wisdom only do I place my hope. Holy Spirit of God, to you I consecrate all the affections of my heart. I renounce the disorder of my natural inclinations and desire only that holiness and love which is your gift to us.

Eternal Father, let me seek the fullness of your perfection. Son of God, let me walk only in your light. Holy Spirit of God, fill me with the wisdom of your love.

(Oblate Prayer Book pgs. 18-19)