"Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him." (James 1:12-18)
Let love inspire us to persevere in our daily struggles in winning over challenges and trials not only for our own but also to encourage others. Gradually overcome greed and selfishness today; think and act for what is good to others. "The zeal for your house will consume me." (John 2:17)
Jesus' expression of love for us is concrete- a love that never change, always true and stable. Do we realise this? In our journey, in the middle of our busy life, there is the assurance of someone waiting for us. Try to recognise it today. "But you brothers, do not remiss in doing good." (2 Thes 3:7-13)
While people in politics are blinded with selfishness in acquiring wealth and fame, ordinary people are deprived of what is due to them. Corruption and other disorderly ways of acquiring wants seem to be getting normal. Let us stand to go against this strong current in our society and continue to live in integrity. "Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children's scrap." (Mk 7:24-30)
We as Lay Faithfuls confronted with realities such as poverty, violence, injustice, and abuse are so huge that we see ourselves dwarf-like in front of these situations. But God who is faithful, always accompany us to become courageous Lay Faithfuls, standing firm in living the Gospel in the midst of the challenges of this world. Do not be afraid, Live with Faith. "How much bread have you got?" (Mk 8:5)
Do you consider yourself poor or rich? What do you exactly need to survive this day? Many times we consider ourselves poor because we are focused on what we lack that we don't see anymore what God has abundantly provided for us. See what you've got! Count your blessings and discover you have more than enough for yourself and that you are still capable of sharing to those who are in need. Share and be part in mending the poverty around us. He said to them, “Are even you likewise without understanding? Do you not realize that everything that goes into a person from outside cannot defile, since it enters not the heart but the stomach and passes out into the latrine?” (Thus he declared all foods clean.) “But what comes out of a person that is what defiles. From within people, from their hearts, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.”
(Mk 7:14-23) We must constantly examine our life and start to value each person's identity as children of God. At the end of the day, are we reactive or responsive? or are we defensive or objective? Guard your heart from evil thoughts; daily think of Jesus before you say and act and you will stay calm and peaceful inside out. "But Jesus ignored what they said and told the official, 'Do not fear, just believe.'" (Mk. 5:35-36)
Jesus wants to show us that in Him nothing is to be afraid of. "Remain in me and I will remain in you," this is God's promise. We were baptized not just because it's required by the Church; but we were baptized to have God's identity, so we are His children. Being the children of God, we should free ourselves from egoism and pride. "For that same reason, he who is in Christ is a new creature. For him the old things have passed away; a new world has come. All this is the work of God who in Christ reconciled us to himself, and who entrusted to us the ministry of reconciliation. Because in Christ God reconciled the world with himself, no longer taking into account their trespasses and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
(2 Corinthians 5:17-19) We are called to be Holy. Do you have enough faith to declare you are Holy? Jesus Christ made us Holy. We need to believe and say it, so we will be moving towards sanctification. Let us declare "I AM HOLY" in thoughts in words and in action. You are the light of the world... your light must shine before others, so that they may see the good you do and praise your Father in heaven. (Mt.5:13-16)
The word of God is clear. We are called for a higher purpose. Jesus calls us to save the world. Your testimony of faith, hope and love in living the word of God has an impact on bringing others back to God's fold. Don't waste your life. God needs you to be the light of the world today. "Now, you are the body of Christ and each of you individually is a member of it." (1 Cor 12:27-28)
As baptized Christians, we are all part of the body of Christ. Each one of us has an irreplaceable place in his body. What is your part in his body? Are you the hands that do good to others, are you the mouth that preaches the Word of God, are you the feet that brings good news, are you the heart that is sensitive and collaborates in the sanctification of the world? |
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