Lc 06:20-26
tn23
vitha
Daily reflection _ living a life of faith makes a difference
LIVING A LIFE OF FAITH MAKES A DIFFERENCE
When I only think of myself, attract my attention to someone else.
What makes us die, makes us live!
I'm an alcoholic; I'm a sex addict; I'm addicted to gambling, and the list goes on. Many addicts know that some behaviors are extremely difficult, if not impossible, to change. As a result, when one hears the Beatitudes and the woes in today's Gospel, and St. Paul's exhortations to "put to death" a long string of ignoble behaviors, one may say, "Fine, I really want to sign on, but how do I get started and really do it?" In one's last attempt to defeat his addiction, he may even cry out, "Please tell me how?"
Recovering addicts know a few simple steps: admit the problem; sincerely desire to change; place enormous trust in outside help knowing that going alone has proven to be unsuccessful. Where is this outside help? St. Paul lays the foundation in the first two chapters in his Letter to the Colossians when he speaks of Christ Jesus and His many grand attributes. Christ has a humble belief in, trust in and acceptance of our heavenly Father. Jesus knows that we need to get on our knees and be receptive to God's loving power. It's the same as having the support of other people in one's community. They're like God's little angels whom He sends to us at the right moment in our lives.
Paul's wisdom presents Jesus as the sure foundation on which to build a life that is whole, healthy, helpful and meaningful. This brings a bright and grace-filled future for self and others. Blessed Mother Teresa wrote and lived a "Life of Faith". These words, if we listen to them and also live by them, will also help us on our faith journey throughout life:
Lord:
When I am hungry, send me someone who needs food.
When I am thirsty, send me someone who needs drink.
When I am cold, send me someone to be warmed.
When I am distressed, send me someone to console.
When my cross is becoming heavy, send me someone with whom to share his cross.
When I am poor, lead me to someone in need.
When I have no time left, send me someone whom I might help for a few moments.
When I am humiliated, help me to find someone to encourage.
When I am discouraged, send me someone to encourage.
When I need to be understood by others, send me someone who needs my understanding.
When I need to be cared for, send me someone to care for.
When I only think of myself, attract my attention to someone else.
What makes us die, makes us live!