Today’s Reading: Exodus 18:13-27 & Philippians 4:6
In China like in Japan, bamboo is a symbol of strength and flexibility. No matter how strong the wind, the bamboo will bend but not break. We, who live under pressure every day, can imitate the bamboo. Quick snacks, coffee and more coffee, yelling, shouting, screaming, noise, out of control, almost no sleep; we may be able to bear it but it could lead to a nervous breakdown, a life of tensions.

Stress, often caused by trying to do everything by ourselves, is a symptom of modern times. Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, sensed the problem of his son-in-law when he asked why he was sitting alone, to judge the people, from morning till night. Moses replied that it was because the people demanded it. But Jethro was wise and told his son-in-law that the job was too much for one person, and that others should be chosen to help; “If you do this, and God so commands, you will be able to endure.”

Why do we think it is necessary to do it all by ourselves? If we seek the help of others, as God commands, our stress is relieved. If you live under this pressure, you sin before God.

“Lord, there’s a lot of stress in my life because I want to do everything myself. Forgive me and relieve my stress.”

Ildefonso Torres