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Saturday, October 20, 2007

Meditation
Romans 4:13,16-18

When he wanted to give the believers in Rome an example of faith, Paul turned, as if by instinct, to Abraham. This revered figure from Israel’s history listened when God spoke and, despite his doubts, did what God asked of him. When God told him to uproot his family and go to a strange land, Abraham did it. He was even willing to sacrifice his long-awaited son at God’s request.

God responded to Abraham’s persevering faith by showering grace on him. Did Abraham earn this reward? Not at all. The truth is that even Abraham’s faith was a work of grace. It was the result of his encounter with the God who called him and revealed himself to him. Abraham’s whole life points to the fact that it is by grace that we receive God’s redemption, and it is by grace that the Holy Spirit enters our hearts and empowers us to live a life pleasing to God. How easy it is to believe that Christianity is a life of giving—of striving to be good enough and selfless enough to merit God’s favor. But just the opposite is true! The grace that God wants to shower on us each day comes as we learn to receive. Only then, with the help of grace, can we give in return by being good or laying down our lives for those around us.

Will you be facing some difficult situation today? A trying incident at work, maybe, or a harried time at home? If you do, try to pause in the midst of it to invite the Lord into that situation. Surrender to him and ask for a fresh outpouring of grace. Then watch as he makes you into an overcomer—loving the unlovable, denying selfish desires, saying “no” to the world’s allurements, and receiving the guidance and strength you need.

God once told St. Paul, “My grace is sufficient for you” (2 Corinthians 12:9). The same is true for us. We can draw near to God and pursue a journey of hope and victory through the promise which is ours in Christ Jesus our Lord.

“Father of all grace and favor, I praise and thank you for letting me come into your presence each day. You have given me what prophets and kings longed to know and could only glimpse from afar. How good and generous and merciful you are!”

Psalm 105:6-9,42-43; Luke 12:8-12

One Bread, One Body

<< Saturday, October 20, 2007 >>

St. Paul of the Cross

Romans 4:13, 16-18

Psalm 105:6-9, 42-43

Luke 12:8-12

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A SPIRITED RESPONSE

"The Holy Spirit will teach you at that moment all that should be said." —Luke 12:12

There are four passages in the Gospels in which Jesus promises us that the Holy Spirit will put words of wisdom in our mouths that cannot be opposed (Mt 10:17-20; Mk 13:9-11; Lk 12:11-12; 21:12-15). In each passage, the context is that a disciple has been involuntarily detained to be put on trial for their witness to Jesus. Jesus promises us: "In that hour, say what you are inspired to say. It will not be yourselves speaking but the Holy Spirit" (Mk 13:11).

We may never be arrested and brought to court for our faith in Jesus, but as disciples of Jesus, we will face persecution (2 Tm 3:12). The world will attempt to intimidate us and prevent us from speaking about Jesus (see Acts 5:28, 40). "Do not let them intimidate you" (Mt 10:26).

If we believe Jesus when He tells us that the Holy Spirit will speak through us, we will be bold and fearless witnesses. We will count our trials as pure joy (Jas 1:2), for we know Jesus will give us words and wisdom which cannot be opposed by our persecutors (Lk 21:15). Persecution will only serve to further exalt Jesus.

Therefore, "resolve not to worry about your defense beforehand" (Lk 21:14). Instead, spend your time growing in faith, for "all depends on faith" (Rm 4:16). "Live in accord with the Spirit" every day (Gal 5:16), so that it will be second nature for you to "follow the Spirit's lead" (Gal 5:25).

Prayer: Jesus, may I spend every day of the rest of my life publicly acknowledging You as Lord and Savior in some way.

Promise: "He remembers forever His covenant." —Ps 105:8

Praise: St. Paul of the Cross so loved the crucified Jesus that he made His cross part of his name.