GROW IN CHRIST

John 17:18
“As you sent me into the world, so I sent them into the world.”
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The life of the Lord, Jesus Christ, even before He was born in this world, is a perfect example of discipleship. Jesus shows us the way to the Father. Up to the end, He was very obedient to the Father, giving up his life so we may live. His Mother, Mary, hears the Word of God and it bears fruit in her very flesh, as the Woman of Faith. As the handmaid of the Lord, she accepted everything and became the Mother of All Nations.

His Father, Joseph, accepted Mary and the will of God and became the strength and wisdom for Jesus as He grew up. Like new Christs, the Twelve and all the followers of Jesus in history reveal something of what it means to be a disciple. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, they were able to share the Good News to the gentiles and the Jews. Most of them died for their Christian faith, but this did not deter the growth of Christianity, rather, it became the fuel that kept the faith burning in the hearts of men up to now.

Now, we are being sent into the world to continue what Jesus, Mary, Joseph, the Twelve Disciples and the early Christian Saints has started. As St. Teresa of Avila reminds us - “Christ has no body now but yours, no hands but yours, no feet but yours. Yours are the eyes through which Christ’s compassion must look out on the world. Yours are the feet with which He is to go about doing good. Yours are the hands with which He is to bless us now.”

We are all called to a life of Discipleship. The Church is a sacrament of Christ and we are called to be “sacramental people”. The Holy Spirit inspires and moves us to: 1) Live as Jesus lived, 2) Serve as Jesus served, 3) Love as Jesus loved. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.

Almighty Father, I empty myself of everything that is me. Please fill me with your Holy Spirit and let Christ live through me. Heal my broken nature Father. God give me the wisdom to discern Your will and the strength to execute it. Let me be Your feet, Your hands, Your eyes and Your heart today, so others may feel and see You through me. Amen +

…through all generations my mouth shall proclaim Your faithfulness.