"Let us never yield to pessimism," [Pope Francis] said while meeting the cardinals in the Sala Clementina, "let us never yield to that bitterness which the devil offers us every day; let us not yield to pessimism or discouragement: let us be quite certain that the Holy Spirit bestows upon the Church, with his powerful breath, the courage to persevere and also to seek new methods of evangelization, so as to bring the Gospel to the uttermost ends of the earth."
---From the introduction of Francis: Pope of a New World, by Andrea TornielliI read it... just before receiving an opportunity... one I could easily be pessimistic about... dismiss... with doubt's blessing...
The Pope's words make me pause... as I consider the opportunity... seeking God on what to do... seeking my heart... regarding fear... and the burial of a talent... desiring to be... a good and faithful servant... yet battling the bitterness of discouragement... and the reality of... Living Under Curse and Promise... (the title of the Bonhoeffer devotional this morning...)
Human beings in a disturbed world, between God's curse and promise, are challenged human beings.
---Dietrich Bonhoeffer, I Want to Live These Days with You,
July 11
No coincidence... amidst the challenge to change the thought-life... a reminder... to focus on Him... His power... His purpose...
A time to put aside fear... consider seriously... this opportunity... to step out... cast out... deep...
My heart prays with Peter...
"Lord, if it's you," Peter replied,
"tell me to come to you on the water."
Matthew 14:28
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