Tuesday of Holy Week

“The LORD called me from birth,
from my mother’s womb he gave me my name.
He made of me a sharp-edged sword
and concealed me in the shadow of his arm.
He made me a polished arrow,
in his quiver he hid me.
You are my servant, he said to me,
Israel, through whom I show my glory.” - Isaiah, 49:1-3

Today, I celebrate the most important event in my life: the birth of my first child.  As I hold my beautiful daughter in my arms, lulling her to slumber, I lose myself in deep thoughts of her future as I gaze upon her alluring newborn face.  Only hours have passed since she entered into the world, and already, her visage is forming more distinctly and uniquely.  Her identity is forming before my eyes.

“What will you look like when you’re older? 

Where will you go on your journey of life?

Who will you become? “

I think about how much she looks like me; a reflection of me.  I was once a baby in my father’s hand.  Perhaps he wondered the same.  Now, here I am on this journey of my own, still fumbling through thick fogs of uncertainty.   Yet, I am certain that I cast aside fear when I put my faith in God, and I feel most complete when I use God’s compass to help me find my true north. 

However, sometimes, I don’t use the tools I’ve been given effectively or at all.

Every one of us is all called to be an instrument of God’s love in one way or another.  How often do we try to discern God’s calling and ask whether our path is aligned with the path God has intended for us? 

I know I’m not perfect.  I know I’m a sinner.  I know I may and will falter and waver, just as Peter did when he denied Jesus three times.  But I also know God will never give up on me.  And I am most complete when I follow God’s compass, embrace God’s love, and answer God’s call. 

O Lord, grant me the strength, wisdom, and courage to be who You have called me to be.

Reflected by HD Nguyen