GOD CALLS US TO HOLINESS
Make no mistake about it, when God calls us to be His disciples, He is very serious about the call. God is good, but this fact should not lead us to think that He will make the path nice and easy for us. Being a disciple of Jesus involves many decisions every day, and some of them are not going to be easy. The path to salvation is narrow and many who try to take it will not be able to make it.
Jesus calls us to get serious about dealing with sin in our lives. This comes down to choices — whether we are willing to prioritize what is right and good over what the flesh dictates us to do. Jesus’ encounter with the devil in the desert is full of lessons for us because it demonstrates the ways in which He refutes temptation and sin. He places His life under the grace of God’s Word, His promises and His love. This is also the path we must choose to take.
However, there are many obstacles to overcome, not the least being our own preference for the easy life. I always wonder at the crimes of the wealthy — surely they have enough money already, so why do they need to engage in corrupt practices to increase their wealth? Jesus gives us an example in His life whereby His sole focus is obedience to the Father’s will. He knows that there is nothing more important than this for Him. How can we gain that same conviction regarding God’s will for us?
Socrates tells us that regular reflection on the meaning of our lives is essential. It is only when we reflect on life that we discover its fullest meanings. Perhaps that is what we need to do more — set time aside to think and pray and dream about the meaning of life more often. Fr. Steve Tynan, MGL
REFLECTION QUESTION: How much time do you spend in reflection? The Church recommends that we do some reflecting every day to become aware of how the Spirit of God moves in our lives.
Holy Spirit, help me to discern God’s will and to choose it every day from now on.
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