When am I strong, I might ask? May 25, 2010
When am I strong, I might ask?
The world would answer:
You are strong
when you are strong.
And yet, the cunning world
speaks to its own advantage.
For when I am strong
I am vulnerable.
Strong men put their faith
in their strength,
whether that strength
be of muscle or mind.
Attacks against strength
are never foreseen.
For who would dare
attack the stronghold?
But the attack will come there,
for the ways of weakness are watched,
while no eyes fall upon
the approach from strength.
When am I strong, I might ask?
Augustine might answer:
You are never strong;
your strength is not your own.
What you think of as strength
is merely a lesser form of weakness.
On an infinite scale
your so-called strength is a pittance.
If you put your faith there
sore disappointment shall find you,
resentment, despair, horror
anger, and lust.
As your strength is not your own
your weaknesses are your strengths
insomuch as
they make you not trust yourself.
When you are weak,
Augustine might continue,
You do not rely upon yourself
and thus are you freed.
Your feet saved from the snare.
Your hands unbound, loosened.
Your eyes opened.
Your legs healed.
We are not alone,
that much is true,
but the nature of the Other
is supernatural.
When you are weak
you find strength
because you turn to
the source of strength.
He who made strength.
Who is strength:
perfect strength,
infinite strength.
Is that not far stronger
than whatever you can muster?
Put aside your faith
in your own strength.
Boast gladly of your weakness,
for then the power of Christ
will be able to enter into you.
He waits at the door, but you do not open.
He waits, patiently,
gently reminding:
My grace is sufficient for you
for power is made perfect in weakness.
Have pity Lord,
upon this foolish boy.
Grant me the grace
to give you myself.
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