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January 29, 2015

Truth often hurts and triggers opposition. Therefore, many are afraid to speak the truth and choose to keep quiet. Christian values are often on a collision course with the trends in society, and so many hide their values in order not be ridiculed.

Jesus compared the truth he is and the truth he brought into the world to a lamp on a lampstand. A light is useless if one hides it. A light is there to be seen, to brighten the darkness to show the way. Many have tried to extinguish this light. The religious leaders of Israel had Jesus killed. Their successors did the same with the leaders of the young Church. Many Roman Emperors persecuted the Christians in the cruelest way. Wherever Christianity spread it met opposition. In the last century Communism tried to extinguish the light of faith in Russia, China and Cuba. In Russia, under the Communists, most churches had been demolished or converted into movie houses or swimming pools. Now, most of these churches have been rebuilt or renovated.

We unfortunately find immorality, corruption, deceit and greed to be rampant, even in the highest positions of the nation. The media glorifies immorality and violence. Gambling is institutionalized. And many keep quiet, afraid to go against the trend or to lose a connection which might bring financial benefits.

It is so hard to swim against the current. The leaders of the Church speak out in press conferences, and in pastoral letters. But often they are attacked and labeled as old-fashioned and conservative and told not to interfere with politics. The truth is a light to be seen. But it will be seen only when we, as Christians, stand up for the truth, support our leaders and counteract the forces of darkness in our materialistic and permissive society and so brighten the night of evil with the light of Christ. As Christians, we need to let people see that Christ is really dwelling in us, and that his light can be seen through us.

Let us live out our faith in whatever meager way we can and we will make a difference in the community in which we live. Let our light shine and Christ will make it shine even brighter.

One Bread, One Body

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All Issues > Volume 31, Issue 1

<< Thursday, January 29, 2015 >>

Hebrews 10:19-25
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Psalm 24:1-6

Mark 4:21-25
Similar Reflections

PRESENCE OR ABSENT?

"We should not absent ourselves from the assembly, as some do, but encourage one another; and this all the more because you see that the Day draws near." —Hebrews 10:25

When we gather in Jesus' name, He has promised to be with us in a special way (Mt 18:20). In Jesus' special presence, we are more deeply united with Him and with one another. In this deeper unity, we have greater knowledge of and openness to God's will. Therefore, when we pray together, we express better the will of God, and our prayers are answered (Mt 18:19). In this great prayer-power, we are encouraged and roused to love and good deeds (Heb 10:24-25). In His presence, unity, will, intercession, and power, we are gathered as Jesus' disciples were gathered in the upper room before the first Christian Pentecost (see Acts 1:14).

When the members of Christ's Body repeatedly resist the temptation to absent themselves from the assembly, we will see a new Pentecost, hasten the final coming of Christ (2 Pt 3:12), and be ready for the end of the world and His coming (see Heb 10:25). When spouses get together for prayer, when families gather to hear God's Word, when Christian communities cover the earth, when churches are packed for daily Mass, when prayer groups are abounding, then we will see God's glory. Therefore, make any sacrifices necessary so as not to absent yourself from the assembly.

Prayer: Father, may I never imply by the choices I make that I don't need the other parts of Christ's Body (see 1 Cor 12:21).

Promise: "In the measure you give you shall receive, and more besides." —Mk 4:24

Praise: Tony had no money to pay his bills when he was laid off. He refused to panic, and believed God would provide. On the day his bills were due, three separate individuals visited him to pay off old debts, which totalled the amount of what he owed.