Father&#039;s Reflection 2.18.24

by Father Joel Haug

I can’t do it!

I mentioned in my Ash Wednesday homily this week that I spoke to a wise, old priest who called out my self-reliance. He was absolutely right: I often live as though I am alone and have to take care of myself and my problems by myself. This is a burden that Jesus never asked me to carry!

His counsel to me was, when I am feeling the temptation and burden to self-manage, to say the following:

1. I can’t

2. You can.

3. You take it.

I believe saying these three simple sentences to Jesus throughout the day is a practical “formula” for living His proclamation in this Sunday’s Gospel: “Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Repent of living under the delusion I can take care of myself, and believe that He can do all things and actually wants to provide for me, if only I ask and give Him permission to.

The Novena of Surrender that I handed out this week is another powerful way to live more radically this childlike trust:

"O Jesus, I surrender myself to You. Take care of everything!”

Rejoice in hope,

Fr. Joel