But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. (Luke 21:14-15)

Luke 21:5-19

We can imagine a clever student using this verse as an excuse not to study: “I’ll trust the Spirit to give me the answers!”

But Jesus is not asking us to avoid preparing for life’s challenges. Discipleship includes planning, learning, and formation.

The question is: When a real moment of testing comes, whom do we rely on? If we surrender our response to the Lord—together with all our preparation—then God’s grace can work through us.

As we face the tasks of this week, we can reflect on God’s part in our response. After we have done all we can, can we place the rest in God’s hands? 
 

Father God, 
help us to use our strengths and talents to meet the challenges of the week. After all our efforts, give us the grace to surrender the outcomes to you.
 Amen.
 
 

Reflections by Grant Tungay SJ

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