No evil shall befall you,
            nor shall affliction come near your tent,
For to his angels he has given command about you,
            that they guard you in all your ways.
Upon their hands they shall bear you up,
            lest you dash your foot against a stone.
You shall tread upon the asp and the viper;
            you shall trample down the lion and the dragon.

Psalm 91: 10-13

(Christ in the desert by Nicholas Roerich)

In helping people becoming the best version of ourselves, are we better at helping others than we are ourselves? It is hard to know the way forward when we are unaware of what we are doing and the motives behind our choices, even with supposedly altruistic actions. In a way, Jesus’ 40 days of fasting and solitude was preparation not just for overcoming temptation, but for the awareness to recognize the difference between temptation and actual self-care and connection. When we give of ourselves unselfishly, can we recognize the action simply for what it is and be open to the grace that appears, not as a reward, recognition, or affirmation from others, but simply in the action of giving?

Remember,
Jesus, your brother,
has walked this path before you.
In you,
as Risen Lord,
He wants to walk this path again,
and His Spirit, the Spirit of God,
now guides you.

– The Fundamental Principles of the Xaverian Brothers

God, give me the humility to accept that I am loved in spite of my actions or the masks that I wear. When I say “in spite of myself”, remind me that “myself” is full of your graced being and longs for connection. Give me insight and foresight to appreciate how loved I am, even when I find myself alone and afraid.

Amen