DESPITE FAILURES
“He puts it on a lampstand so that whoever comes in can see it.” –Luke 8:16
Mass Readings: September 25
First: Ezra 1:1-6; Resp: Psalm 126:1-6; Gospel: Luke 8:16-18
Listen to the Mass Readings
http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/17_09_25.mp3
Jesus said there were four groups of people in this world. He compared these groups to a footpath, rocky ground, ground that produces briers, and good ground (Lk 8:5ff). Only one of the four groups receives God’s Word so as to bear fruit. This means that we who share God’s Word can expect a lot of failure. This makes us feel like keeping God’s Word to ourselves. Nevertheless, the Lord commands us to put the light of God’s Word on the lampstand of our lives so as to give light to all (Lk 8:16).
The Lord also warns us that if we don’t share His Word, we will lose it (Lk 8:18). If we hear and act on His Word by sharing it, Jesus promises He will consider us to be His mother, brothers, and sisters (Lk 8:21; Mk 3:35). The Lord gives us encouragement to share His Word despite the failure of many to accept it.
Do you love the Lord? Do you love people? Do you know that every person needs to believe in Jesus Christ? Do you also know that “ignorance of the Scriptures is ignorance of Christ”? (St. Jerome, Catechism, 133) People need to hear the Word of the Lord to believe in the Lord. For God’s sake and for love’s sake, share His Word.
PRAYER: Prayer: Father, may love impel me to share Your Word under any circumstances (2 Cor 5:14).
PROMISE: Promise: “Everyone…whom God had inspired to do so…prepared to go up to build the house of the Lord.” –Ezr 1:5
PRAISE: Praise: Chuck and Lisa have led hundreds of young people to Jesus.