Justifications. We human beings are so good at justifying our misbehavior . . . our sin. We choose to live in the darkness because living in the Light means believing and obeying God and His Word in Scripture. It means, if you are a lay apostle of this mission, BELIEVING and ACTING ON the messages from Jesus and all of heaven. God doesn't expect us to be perfect. But He does expect us to love as He loves; forgive as He forgives; and most importantly, NEVER deny Him or His Son. I recently heard the words "I put it out to the universe" come from a young Christian's mouth (Jay knows this is a pet peeve of mine!). Probably the look of horror on my face made them quickly say, "umm, God." Since when do we refer to Our Lord as the "universe?" Some may think I am overreacting. But to me, this is denying Our Creator. The "universe" is some unknown entity floating around in the darkness. I know "universe" is very New Age thinking and focuses on 'you' the individual instead of service to God and His Children. Maybe this term is an excuse to live in the darkness and not in reality, allowing for justification of sins? Maybe it's easier if the "universe" denies you and not God? I don't know the answer as this is so far from my thought process. If you are a Christian, think next time you "put it out to the universe." God is the Creator of all. Use His Sacred Name always and give credit where credit is due.
Today's Gospel (John 8:51-59) makes me realize how PATIENT our Dear Jesus was with those denying Him:
Jesus said to the Jews: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.
Anne gives us a great reminder in her book Staying in Place:
"Does God experience human feelings? The better question would be, do we experience divine feelings? Only in the idea that God is far, far away, with no real connection to His children can we deny that God has feelings. And as Scripture tells us that the Lord takes delight in his children (Psalm 149:4), we must accept and take responsibility for the truth that the Lord also feels rejected by his children at times, and not just other children, but us, too."
Lay apostles, do you stand up for Jesus? When you hear someone denying Him in one way or another, do you speak up in His defense? Or do you let it go because of potential backlash? Personally, I feel offended for Him and I try to defend our Beautiful Savior who died for me to the best of my ability. If I don't, who will? He is calling us to action . . . now.
Thank you, Lord, for reminding me in the Gospel today the importance of gently reminding those who deny You of Who they will meet when it's time to go home.
God bless,
Bonnie
Today's Gospel (John 8:51-59) makes me realize how PATIENT our Dear Jesus was with those denying Him:
Jesus said to the Jews: “Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever keeps my word will never see death.” So the Jews said to him, “Now we are sure that you are possessed. Abraham died, as did the prophets, yet you say, ‘Whoever keeps my word will never taste death.’ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? Or the prophets, who died? Who do you make yourself out to be?” Jesus answered, “If I glorify myself, my glory is worth nothing; but it is my Father who glorifies me, of whom you say, ‘He is our God.’ You do not know him, but I know him. And if I should say that I do not know him, I would be like you a liar. But I do know him and I keep his word. Abraham your father rejoiced to see my day; he saw it and was glad.” So the Jews said to him, “You are not yet fifty years old and you have seen Abraham?” Jesus said to them, “Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM.” So they picked up stones to throw at him; but Jesus hid and went out of the temple area.
Anne gives us a great reminder in her book Staying in Place:
"Does God experience human feelings? The better question would be, do we experience divine feelings? Only in the idea that God is far, far away, with no real connection to His children can we deny that God has feelings. And as Scripture tells us that the Lord takes delight in his children (Psalm 149:4), we must accept and take responsibility for the truth that the Lord also feels rejected by his children at times, and not just other children, but us, too."
Lay apostles, do you stand up for Jesus? When you hear someone denying Him in one way or another, do you speak up in His defense? Or do you let it go because of potential backlash? Personally, I feel offended for Him and I try to defend our Beautiful Savior who died for me to the best of my ability. If I don't, who will? He is calling us to action . . . now.
Thank you, Lord, for reminding me in the Gospel today the importance of gently reminding those who deny You of Who they will meet when it's time to go home.
God bless,
Bonnie
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