UNASHAMED OF CHRIST – 02/18/22 (Friday)

Mark 8:36,38

36 For what does it profit a man, to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?

38 For whoever is ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of man also be ashamed, when He comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels." 

Mark 9:1

1 And He said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there are some standing here who will not taste death before they see that the kingdom of God has come with power."

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

Blessed Friday of the Sixth Week in Ordinary Time! A faithful disciple of Christ is someone who always follows Him and the gospel even amidst opposition, criticisms, and judgments of other people. People who always choose Him will receive the gift of salvation. Jesus talked about how people who gained the whole world would forfeit his life. He was speaking of the people who rejected the eternal life that Jesus offered because they chose their lives to be centered on worldly riches, approval and satisfactions. This is why we should not be ashamed of living the faith. Rather than listen to the celebrities and other people who voice out their opposition to the teachings of the Catholic Church, we should remain firm in holding to the truth of our beliefs. 

Our Lord revealed that some people in His time would see the Kingdom of God in power. He referred to people who became part of the beginning of the Catholic Church as led by the apostles. As such, as Catholics who live in the modern age, we are called by Christ to spread the Catholic faith in our words and actions, as accompanied by our prayers. Even if we are accused by others and called bigots, close-minded, and many other insults, we should not be discouraged in standing up for the truth. As such, when we profess that we believe in the Catholic Church, our lifestyle should be consistent even outside the Mass. 

Faith without works is dead. What provides proof for the authentic faith of a person to God is through our works such as by being faithful to the will of God. People who love the Lord are truly blessed. It is for the love of God as to why we should obey His commandments. Let's always choose to love God rather than offend Him by committing sins or scandalizing other people to sins. Jesus Christ is not ashamed of us, and that's why He died on the cross for our salvation. May we be courageous by God's grace to remain with Him. In this culture and generation with many opposing voices, let's choose to be the voice of Christ here on earth. 

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