“For the end of those things is death.” –   RM 6: 23

 

The powerful words of St Paul and Jesus continue again this week in warning us how we need to transform our lives. Today, St Paul reminds us that if we continue to be dominated or “slaves” by the ways of this world, then the consequences of our humanity will end in death. Not just to die, but a death of endless pain and separation, Hell.

However, we have been ransomed from that death by Jesus Himself. Jesus has freed us from sin and purified us; causing us to become morally right and acceptable to God.  This transformation is what St Paul calls, sanctification. We have been set apart for a sacred purpose.  To be no longer considered a creature of God like a tree or animal, but to become an adopted child of God.

Sanctification is thus the working of the Holy Spirit to make us Holy.  We are brought back to the image and likeness of God and thus the Holy Spirit helps us grow in the gifts of Faith, Hope and Love in order to produce Good Works. Sanctification flows from justification, the declaration that though we are sinners, we are righteous in God’s Plan through Jesus.  Sanctification is an on-going process of our transformation in mind, body, and Spirit, through the Gifts and Fruits of the Holy Spirit, that will not reach perfection in this life.  However, we must work towards it.

The essence of Christianity in this life is to become loyal to Jesus. This loyalty is to take precedence over every other relationship in our life. The love of God compels us to choose who will be first in our lives. To place any relationship or anything else above God is a form of idolatry.  In today’s Gospel, we hear how Jesus shocked His disciples when He declared that He would cast fire and cause division rather than peace upon the earth. What kind of fire did Jesus have in mind here?  

We know from both the Old and New Testament Scriptures that God's Fire purifies and cleanses to make us clean, for our sins are washed away. Then, made Holy, we are fit to offer Our Fatheracceptable praise and worship, while inspired to have a reverent fear or awe in the presence of God.  This newfound respect, a higher level of realizing the importance of obeying and giving God His due, should provide us with a fresh perspective for God and for His Holy Word. 

Jesus challenges us to examine who we love first and foremost. A true disciple loves God above all else and is willing to forsake all for the love of Jesus. Jesus insists that His disciples give Him the loyalty which is only due to God, a loyalty which is higher than spouse or kin. It is possible that family and friends can become our enemies if the thought of them keeps us from doing what we know God wants us to do. Does the love of Jesus compel us to put God first in all we do?

Today’s Gospel message is Good News for those of us who seek pardon, peace, and the abundant life which God offers us through His Son. Jesus offers us a way to find true freedom from sin, to be sanctified and have Eternal Life. Freedom from slavery to sin, Satan, and the oppressive forces of hatred and evil that is all around us and can destroy body, mind, and spirit. All we have to do is commit our ways to Him, obey His word, and we will find true peace, joy, and happiness in the Lord our God.  

"Lord Jesus, may the fire of your love consume me and transform my life that I may truly desire nothing more than life with you. Fill me with the power of your Holy Spirit that I may always seek to please you and do your will."

May God’s Grace and Blessings Always be with you and yours!!  Our Lady of Guadalupe – Pray for us!!  

 

Yours in Christ,

Deacon Bob

St. Clare of Assisi Catholic Church

Houston, TX