Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article

To: All

The Cost of Loving God

 

by Food For Thought on November 28, 2012 · 

Responsorial Psalm Ps 98:1, 2-3ab, 7-8, 9

Gospel Lk 21:12-19

The Gospel passage for today tells us of the cost of loving God. Even in the human level, we know and we have learned from experience that true love and friendship impose demands on each other. It is no different in our relationship with God. God loves us – each and everyone of us – very much. He expects us to love him in return. And what does that entail? Sacrifice and the cross – the way Christ manifested to us his love for the Father.

Sacrifice involves voluntary surrender of things that we enjoy in life. Like giving up a favorite TV program to spend time with our children; accompanying an aging, ailing aunt to the hospital for her cancer therapy; sitting down and listening to the problems of a desperate friend; getting up an hour earlier every morning to hear Mass; breaking a customary habit or behavior to gain a happier relationship with a spouse; or changing one’s schedule to be able to help the poor and the needy. These are all aspects of love that involve sacrifice.

Much of the suffering and crosses in our life may be beyond our comprehension.

Let us just recall Fulton J. Sheen’s reassuring words: “God could never let you suffer a pain or a reversal or experience sadness if it could not in some way minister to your perfection. If he did not spare his own Son on the Cross for the redemption of the world, then you may be sure that he will sometimes not spare your wants that you might be all you need to be: happy and perfect children of a loving Father. He may even permit us to wage wars as a result of our selfishness that we may learn there is no peace except in Goodness and Truth.”

Jesus has given himself to us as the model for suffering through his life, his cross, and his resurrection. To follow him is to be ready to surrender whatever gifts we may have received and to extend ourselves to others, especially the needy, in unconditional love and compassion.

Indeed, the cost of loving God is great. But like Job, let us place our complete trust in him, always remembering Jesus’ promise: “By standing firm, you will gain life.”


29 posted on 11/28/2012 8:25:31 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 28 | View Replies ]


To: All
One Bread, One Body

One Bread, One Body


<< Wednesday, November 28, 2012 >>
 
Revelation 15:1-4
View Readings
Psalm 98:1-3, 7-9 Luke 21:12-19
 

SINGING IN THE REIGN

 
"They sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb." —Revelation 15:3
 

We Christians will be persecuted by both the religious and secular authorities (Lk 21:12). As Jesus was betrayed by Judas, we will be betrayed even by our "parents, brothers, relatives and friends" (Lk 21:16). Some of us "will be put to death" (Lk 12:16). All will hate us because of our love for Jesus (Lk 21:17). Our reaction to all this bad news is not to "hang down our heads and cry." Rather, "when these things begin to happen, stand erect and hold your heads high, for your deliverance is near at hand" (Lk 21:28).

In the last days, the world will be pounded by seven plagues, by wave after wave of destruction (Rv 15:1). We do not react to this with fear, stress, or confusion. Instead, we stand up, hold our heads high, and by faith break out into song (Rv 15:3). Like the three men in the fiery furnace, we create a safe place in the midst of the destroying flames by singing God's praises (Dn 3:51). Like Paul and Silas, we sing up an earthquake, praise our way out of jail, and even convert the jailer and his family (Acts 16:25ff).

When times are tough, God's people sing. When God's people sing in faith, we see deliverance, protection, power, freedom, and conversion. St. Augustine declared: "He who sings prays twice." That's not the half of it. Sing to the Lord!

 
Prayer: Father, may my songs of faith protect babies in the womb from abortion.
Promise: "By patient endurance you will save your lives." —Lk 21:19
Praise: Louise has been praying the morning and evening prayers in the Liturgy of the Hours for over twenty years.

30 posted on 11/28/2012 8:28:05 PM PST by Salvation ("With God all things are possible." Matthew 19:26)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 29 | View Replies ]

Free Republic
Browse · Search
Religion
Topics · Post Article


FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson