"Always be ready to give an explanation to anyone who asks you for a reason for your hope, but do it with gentleness and reverence." (1 Peter 3: 15-16)
What are the reasons for my hope on the Enterprise?
"Sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts." (1 Peter 3: 15)
Enthrone Christ as King and Lord of your heart.
Make Christ your most cherished desire.
Give Christ the first place in your heart.
Seek Christ's kingdom and righteousness above everything else.
"God our Father, maker of all, the crown of your creation was the Son of Man, born of a woman, but without beginning; he suffered for us but lives forever. May our mortal lives be crowned with the ultimate joy of rising with him…." (Prayer in Mass in the Season of Easter)
Christ suffered and died for us but now lives forever more. If we suffer now with Christ, we too will live forever.
"Ever-living God, help us to celebrate our joy in the resurrection of the Lord and to express in our lives the love we celebrate……" (Prayer at Mass in Easter season)
What does the Resurrection of Jesus mean to me? Do I feel the joy of Easter? What are the fruits of the Resurrection?
The Resurrection means victory, triumph over the forces of evil.
"If you belonged to the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you do not belong to the world, because my choice of you has drawn you out of the world, that is why the world hates you." (John 15: 19)
The world recognizes its own and loves them.
Since those chosen by Christ and withdrawn from the world by His choice are not recognized by the world, all they can expect from the world are challenges, resistance and hatred.
"They traveled through Phrygia and the Galatian country, because they had been told by the Holy Spirit not to preach the word in Asia." (Acts 16: 6)
The Spirit and Mission
If we surrender our lives completely to the Spirit as Paul did, He would guide our work as He guided Paul's. He will reveal to us in due time:
Of our vocation.
Most Holy Spirit, help us to surrender completely to you.
"Loving Father, through our rebirth in Baptism you give us your life and promise immortality. By your unceasing care, guide our steps toward the life of glory…." (Mass Prayer)
Baptism gives us new life in God. All the sacraments increase this life or sanctifying grace in us. Through the Sacrament of Reconciliation this life is renewed and refreshed.
God's care for us is unceasing. His perfect love for us casts out fear. Fear is useless; what is needed is trust.
