May 23rd - Giovanni Battista Rossi

What are limitations?
Giovanni was brilliant but epileptic. Somehow he still managed to avoid the impediments and was ordained. He concentrated on the poor and marginalized, giving more to others that he kept for himself.
Yet always, in the background, was his illness, and fear of what would happen if he had a seizure. So he avoided some of his sacramental duties. Convinced to fully live his calling, he became a great confessor. We never know what God has in store for us, who are created, as a friend of mine used to put it, "brown paper, string, and all."
We often live in fear of failure, of our failings, of our limitations, the weight of the task ahead. We often feel that things are out of our control or beyond our abilities.
But that is not who we are. We are created, individually, with strengths and weaknesses (some of which we bring on ourselves) yet that is not what God is concerned with. God has forgiven our sins so that should not hold us back; if it does then Reconciliation is the only answer. Doubt and fear can destroy life; they are some of the Devil's favorite tools. It is God alone who gives life and gives it fully in His Son. Fear not and do not let physical, mental, or spiritual limitations hinder you in your quest for holiness or your ability to serve.
It is not we who serve but we who serve Christ; it is Christ who accomplishes all through us.

---

You also must be prepared, for at an hour you do not expect, the Son of Man will come.” Then Peter said, “Lord, is this parable meant for us or for everyone?” And the Lord replied, “Who, then, is the faithful and prudent steward whom the master will put in charge of his servants to distribute [the] food allowance at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master on arrival finds doing so. Truly, I say to you, he will put him in charge of all his property.

-- Luke 12:40-44