MEDITATE AND IMITATE THE LIFE OF CHRIST – 02/13/22 (Sunday)

Luke 6:20-23

20 And He lifted up His eyes on His disciples, and said: "Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. 21 "Blessed are you that hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. "Blessed are you that weep now, for you shall laugh. 22 "Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they exclude you and revile you, and cast out your name as evil, on account of the Son of man! 23 Rejoice in that day, and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven; for so their fathers did to the prophets.

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https://www.ewtn.com/catholicism/daily-readings

Blessed Sixth Sunday in Ordinary Time! When we read the words of Jesus about those who are poor and those who suffer, sometimes, we may feel that it's difficult for them to even rejoice in life. And yet, God cannot instruct and command something that is impossible. It's because He grants many graces to people to persevere in following His will. To be able to endure the sufferings, especially as we stand up for the truth, is the reflection of the life of our Lord. It is a reflection of how Jesus served the people and preached the gospel. It is a reflection of how He carried the cross as He bore the sins of the world. 

How can we seek the perfection which God calls us? It is through reflecting on the Scriptures, especially on the Gospel. By meditating on the life of Christ, we can imitate Him. It's because by reflecting on the Word, our hearts become open to allow Jesus to enter into us and move us in accordance to His will. At the same time, to live a Christian lifestyle, we should not be surprised if we are persecuted and ridiculed by other people. Why do other people turn away from God and oppose His people? This may happen if they become the center of their own lives instead of God. Rather than be faithful to His commandments, there can be the temptation of listening to the lies of the world. Let's always trust in Jesus when we encounter such struggles in our spiritual journey. The life of Jesus Christ on earth did not end on His sufferings and death. He was raised from the dead, and He ascended to give us hope. Let's remember that He reveals to us the rewards that await us in heaven as we persevere in life that is full of trials. 

A person who meditates on the word of God is like a tree that bears fruit. As we reflect on the life of Christ, we can apply His words and practice virtues in our daily lives. We will remain firm in the Lord amidst the struggles because our foundation is God. We cannot be overcome by evil if we remain in the presence of Christ. It is because our path to holiness is a journey with Jesus who reveals to us His truth through the gospel. 

Amen +

 

Jesus, Mary, and Joseph, be with us always until the hour of our death. Amen. +

 

May the Lord + bless us, protect us from all evil and bring us to everlasting life. Amen. +  

Reflection by: Dominic