2 Corinthians 6:16-7:1; Luke 7:11-16 Many people struggle today to have hope. The deep problems of our society and world, as well those of our own families and personal lives, can easily overwhelm our trust that “all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28) Even as the Bible is painfully honest about the failings and imperfections of the…
2 Corinthians 6:1-10; Luke 6:31-36 Today’s epistle reading begins with a very interesting statement: “Brethren, since we are fellow workers, we entreat you also not to receive the grace of God in vain.” Right before this statement, St. Paul refers to his apostolic ministry as one of working together with God “as ambassadors of Christ” who call the confused Corinthians “to be reconciled to God.” (2 Cor. 5: 20-21) He addresses…
2 Corinthians 4:6-15; Luke 5:1-11 I suspect that many of the crises of our society today have at least something to do with people not having a profound sense of purpose for their lives. Those made in God’s image and likeness will not find satisfaction in a life without a substantive goal or purpose. If we are not offering ourselves to Him, we will offer ourselves to whatever false gods distract us…
Galatians 2:16-20; Mark 8:34-9:1 As we continue to celebrate the Elevation of the Holy Cross, we must remember that taking up our own crosses requires a choice on our part each day of our lives. We certainly cannot control whether we encounter difficulties and challenges, but we always have the choice whether to make them opportunities to deny ourselves and follow our Lord. Doing so requires us to continue to pursue…
Galatians 6:11-18; John 3:13-17 The temptation to make faithfulness to Jesus Christ merely a matter of outward obedience to a set of laws goes back to the first century and is still with us today. The problem with legalism is that, as admirable as a life lived according to even the best code of conduct may be, it cannot heal our souls by making us participants in…