?Holiness does not lie on the other side of temptation; it is to be found in the midst of temptation. It does not sit waiting for us on a level above our weakness; it is given us in weakness, or else we would elude the power of God that is operative only in our weakness. Rather we must learn to ?abide? in weakness, and to do so full of faith, open to the weakness and in utter surrender to God?s mercy. It is only in our weakness that we are vulnerable to his love and power. Accordingly, to continue in the situation of temptation and weakness is the only way for us to connect with grace, the only way we can become miracles of God?s mercy.? (Andr? Louf. Tuning in to Grace: The Quest for God. Kalamazoo, MI: Cistercian Publications, 1992, p. 45.)
How do you feel about Louf?s idea of ?abiding in weakness?? As you sit quietly and pay attention, what personal weaknesses come to mind? How might these be places where you could welcome the empowering grace of God to rest upon you and guide you?
