Gleam of morning of 12/11/2016 : Stir, extract stones - By Paul Calzada

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"He who extracts stones from the rock may be hurt" (Ecclesiastes 10: 9).

 

I did not know my maternal grandfather. He died many years before my birth. He worked to extract stones from a quarry in the Aude department. One day a stone tore his arm. This wound became infected (there were no antibiotics at that time), and he was carried away by septicemia at the age of fifty-five. Our family knows how true this word of Solomon is !

Yes, there are dangers to stir or extract stones, but if we want to build a wall or a dwelling, should we sit with our arms crossed and wait for them to come to us ? It is impossible, it is necessary men who defy danger, who take risks, and who thus furnish the stones necessary for the construction. However, Solomon reminds us that if the danger exists, we must redouble our prudence and wisdom. Take risks without ignoring the dangers, thus taking all the measures that can avoid as many incidents, even if it is difficult to reach the zero risk.

If the extraction of stones poses risks, so also to snatch the men and women stuck in their gangue of sin, suffering, darkness, idolatry, paganism, superstition, hatred ... is not without risks. How many missionaries have died by wanting to be these stones extractors, in dangerous places, to make these stones, living stones ! Etienne (the first martyr of the church) died in an avalanche of stones (Acts 7: 58-60).
We would need books and books to recall here the names of all those who were wounded, and some even to die, working in the career of building the church. Stirring the stones, cutting them, building them up, this can not be done without wounds, however it is necessary to avoid unnecessary injuries by being prudent and wise. There are always risks ! To snatch us from perdition, Christ gave his life, he suffered the cross.

Wanting to testify of your faith, you will one day expose to criticism, jeers, mockery ... however, do not be clumsy, sharpen your iron, apply yourself to being wise in your way of testifying. Not only will you avoid unnecessary injuries, but also you will be most effective. "For the wise seizes souls" (Proverbs 11:30).

My prayer of the day :

Lord, grant me to be wise and efficacious in my testimony, that living stones may be plucked out of the mountain of unbelief, and be added to your edifice, which is the church. Amen !

Paul Calzada