...for when I am weak, then I am strong.
and there you have it. Another weekend when I'm kicking myself for not resigning from the lectors' queue. It shouldn't make a difference; I'm going to Mass anyway. But the (perceived) pressure - the expectation of ultra-punctuality, good grooming beyond simple cleanliness, preparation. It casts a certain pall over the joyful anticipation of Mass. And this week-end...with my Jeep in the UP and my transportation options limited to Bridget's Buick with the squeaky brakes and the St. Isidore Foundation panel van (with the mismatched doors and the 4SALE OBO still visible on the sides) which looks like any good citizen would report it as a 'suspicious vehicle.'

Then, as always, all is well when I look over the readings for the day. Sufficient grace. Sufficient for the Independence Day irritations, the vehicular limitations. And sufficient to sustain me through Mass - through the sinus headache, the tilting server's candle, the processional cross not quite stabilized...(do I attempt to remedy the situation? Or do I risk more harm and distraction by trying to reposition it with my already proven clumsy fingers?) Sufficient.

Brothers and sisters:
That I, Paul, might not become too elated,
because of the abundance of the revelations,
a thorn in the flesh was given to me, an angel of Satan,
to beat me, to keep me from being too elated.
Three times I begged the Lord about this, that it might leave me,
but he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,
for power is made perfect in weakness."
I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses,
in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me.
Therefore, I am content with weaknesses, insults,
hardships, persecutions, and constraints,
for the sake of Christ;
for when I am weak, then I am strong.