Unselfish love and transformation into Christ are both the motivation for and the purpose of vows. And this love and Christlikeness is also the measure of how well I am living my vows. I try to live my vows with God’s help, and God works the transformation with my help. For no vow to God is one-sided. God promises literally everything in return for my gift, and God is faithful.
Thank you, Lord,
for your support.
Without you, life is
impossible and becomes a contest
of personalities, in which the strong
and self-assured always win.
When the weak and despised and unlearned
prevail, then I know you are working
and not the self-will of human beings.
Only your Spirit is wisdom and only
they are wise who open themselves to
that Spirit and surrender to your Father’s
will. Come, Lord Jesus.
—from the book Song of the Sparrow: Four Seasons of Prayer
by Murray Bodo, OFM
