SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL, PRIEST (MEMORIAL)

Jesus . . . resolutely determined to journey to Jerusalem.

His public ministry had begun in Galilee, but now “the days for Jesus to be taken up were fulfilled” (Luke 9:51). He would head for Jerusalem—preaching, teaching, and healing along the way. Ultimately, he would accomplish what his Father had sent him to do: through his death and resurrection, he would save the world.

Luke writes that Jesus “resolutely determined”—literally, “set his face”—toward the holy city (9:51). Jesus knew exactly what lay ahead, and yet he did not flinch. Even if he were dreading what was to come, he would not turn back.

Have you dreaded doing something that you knew God was asking of you? There are times when following God’s will seems to be difficult if not impossible. Perhaps it’s a sin pattern that you struggle with. Maybe you see a need that you don’t have the time or energy to fulfill. You might be tempted to throw up your hands in discouragement and give up.

But what if you were “resolutely determined” to do it anyway? What if you made what God was asking of you something you wanted just as much as he does? That’s what Jesus did. He didn’t just assent to the Father’s will; he was wholeheartedly committed to it. He wanted to save us from sin and death, no matter what it cost him.

So how do you become more determined to accomplish something God wants, especially when you don’t want to do it or don’t know how you will do it? You can start by being honest with the Lord. Share your struggle. Then ask him to help you see the situation through his eyes. Ask him to give you his mercy and compassion, both for the people involved and for yourself. Finally, ask—and keep asking—for the grace to be as resolute as Jesus was and to desire his will more than your own. This prayer always pleases the Lord.

You will still struggle, as Jesus did in Gethsemane. You might also stumble from time to time. But don’t let it deter you. Just get up and try once again to follow your Savior, who set his face toward Jerusalem just so that he could one day call you his own.

“Jesus, grant me the grace and determination to do your will.”

Job 3:1-3, 11-17, 20-23
Psalm 88:2-8
Luke 9:51-56