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January 27

Holding and Being Held

No matter how great we are, we still have the need for love and care. And at times, when strength fails us, we need to be held and carried. This is all the more true in the spiritual journey. No matter how mature we may think we are, we will always be spiritual babes.

The Christian life is a life lived towards God. In reflection and prayer we seek to be attentive to the God who is with us and who calls us forward.

At times, and particularly in difficulty, we need to cling to this God, seeking God’s presence and help. And in times of vulnerability and need we need to be held in God’s love and in the care of others who need to nurture us.

Thomas à Kempis reminds us: “Hold fast to Jesus both in life and in death and commit yourself to His steadfast love, for He alone can help you when all others fail.”27

Here a double movement is identified: holding and being held. Clearly, the former flows out of the latter. God holds us and we cling to God. We call out to God but God is drawing us by his love and power.

Thus, it is never a matter of hanging on for grim death, but being secure in the great love of the Father through Christ. In that love lies our final security and safety. Finally, we are more held than we will ever realize.

Thought

Being held is no affront to our ability, just as being loved is no negation of our personhood.