Just as the infant Jesus was vulnerable and his life in the hands of Mary and Joseph for
his basic needs, love and support, there are times in our lives when we become more
aware of our own vulnerability. We experience that we have little or no control over
the circumstances that we are facing. We have an accident that sets us back from
accomplishing our plans. We become ill. We need to help the people in our lives. This
list could go on. In accepting the vulnerability of the human condition, Jesus
experienced life as we experience it.
Why did Jesus allow these limiting circumstances? He wanted to be close to us in a
very human way. He also wanted to be with us in a very mystical way. We become
part of the body of Christ as St. Paul reminds us. This can happen when we not only
acknowledge our vulnerability but when we open our hearts to receive his presence
within us. With blind trust in God, we allow ourselves to be open to the miracle of
finding our way through whatever comes our way. As Thomas Merton proclaims in his
famous prayer, “We will never be left to face our perils alone.”
• How have you experienced your vulnerability?
• Have you accepted this aspect of your life?
• Has God been present to you during these experiences?
O God, help me in accepting my vulnerability, to become closer to you.