"The learned will shine like the brilliance of the firmament, and those who train many in the ways of justice will sparkle like stars for all eternity." (Daniel 12: 3)
The above scripture was read on the feast of St. Bede the Venerable, doctor of the Church.
Purpose in life: to learn and to teach.
You become learned like the Venerable Bede by learning. You become a teacher by teaching.
"I the Lord, am with you always, until the end of the world." (Matthew 28: 20)
These are the very last words of Jesus Christ to His disciples in the Gospel of Matthew. They are also the very last sentence in the entire Gospel. What a powerful promise these parting words are. How much the disciples would need these words in their subsequent struggles to build the kingdom of God. 2000 years after, we the current disciples of Jesus need these words no less than the original disciples. This promise of Jesus Christ brings to full circle the promise of God that His Son would be Emmanuel, "God with us."
What difference does this promise make to me here and now? It can only make a difference to me if I understand the spiritual meaning and appropriate the promise by an act faith. If Jesus is with me always, why do I forget this fact most of the time? How can I remember this truth most of the time? Having a credit card in your pocket does you no good unless you are aware that it is there. It is critical in life's emergencies to remember the promise of Jesus: "I the Lord, am with you always, until the end of the world." (Matthew 28: 20)
The way I try to help my memory is to type out the critical scriptures I need in emergencies and spread them out on the walls all over my apartment. In emergencies, I walk round the apartment reading the promises of God. I have found that this practice calms my anxiety and restores perspective to whatever is troubling me.
"By human resources it is impossible but not for God: because for God everything is possible." (Mark 10: 27)
I know and believe that everything is possible for God. Thank you Father for giving me such a big picture of yourself.
The God I worship is a very powerful God. He accomplishes whatever He wills, come what may. This is the faith that powers me. I confess that sometimes I am not sure what God's will is for my life. But I do not doubt that His will or plan is good because His word says so unequivocally – "I know for sure the plan I have for you. Plan for your good and not for disaster. Plan to give you a future full of hope." (Jeremiah 29:11)
"Thus should all your faithful pray in time of distress. Though flood waters threaten, they will never reach them. You are my shelter; from distress you keep me; with safety you ring me round." (Psalm 32: 6-7)
Whenever I am in distress, I cry to God and He hears my prayer. Though deep waters overflow, they will never reach me. God Himself is my shelter. From all distress, He will preserve me.
"But to those who repent he permits return, and he encourages those who have lost hope." (Sirach 17: 24)
God encourages all who have lost hope. Be a witness of the Gospel of joy and hope.
"Father in heaven, form in us the likeness of your Son and deepen his life within us. Send us as witnesses of gospel joy into a world of fragile peace and broken promises. Touch the hearts of all men with your love that they in turn may love one another ….." (Mass Prayer)
What a profound prayer. First of all, we ask our Father in heaven to produce in us the likeness of Jesus. This is the work of the Holy Spirit. His most cherished task is to form the likeness of Jesus in us and deepen the life of Jesus with us. How does He accomplish this? Primarily through the Eucharist. Also through the Sacraments and His word.
It is only when we have remained with Jesus for a long time and begin to reflect His character can we be sent as witnesses of the gospel joy into the world marked by fragile peace and broken promises. Any person who places his trust in what the world offers and promises places his life on a moving sand.
The only reliable promise is God's Word, Jesus Christ our Lord
"Lord, guide the course of world events and give your Church the joy and peace of serving you in freedom ……" (Prayer at Mass)
God guides world history by his wisdom and power.
Father, guide too the course of my life this day. I put my life and future into your hands.
