The Lord Is My Chef Daily Recipe for the Soul by Fr. Nicanor F. Lalog II Wednesday, Memorial of St. Agatha, Virgin & Martyr, 05 February 2025 Hebrews 12:4-7, 11-15 ><))))*> + ><))))*> + ><))))*> Mark 6:1-6
Today dear Lord, I pray for more discipline which is a frightening and misunderstood word and concept for many these days.
There are some who think discipline is suppression of freedom, a kind of constriction not realizing it is in discipline we truly become free; for some, discipline is optional, even seasonal when in reality, we need discipline in our entire life; lastly, people have difficulty with discipline because they see it only as a human activity, a human effort forgetting that God has a large part in our discipline.
Brothers and sisters: You have also forgotten the exhortation addressed to you as children: My son, do not disdain the discipline of the Lord or lose heart when reproved by him; for whom the Lord loves, he disciplines; he scourges every son he acknowledges. Endure your trials as “discipline”… At the time, all discipline seems a cause not for joy but for pain, yet later it brings the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are trained by it (Hebrews 12:5-7, 11).
How I admire your own discipline, Lord Jesus: your coming home to Nazareth and most especially your practice of sabbath are clear indications of your great discipline!
How lovely that the word discipline is also from disciple, a follower; as your follower, help me continue with my self-discipline to inspire and teach others too of the importance of discipline in life and in discipleship. Amen.
*We also pray today for all with breast cancer being the memorial of their patroness, St. Agatha whose breasts were cut off as one of the tortures she endured; but after having a vision of St. Peter, her breasts were restored and completely healed while in prison.
