Although we will suffer in life, we don't ever have to let our hearts be troubled. We can have hearts which are trouble-free. Even in the worst circumstances, we can have a peace beyond understanding (Phil 4:7). To keep our hearts from being troubled, we must have faith in God (Jn 14:1) and take our rightful dwelling places in God's house (Jn 14:2).
Our dwelling places are not only in heaven, but also on earth. We have places in God's house, the Church; we are parts in the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:12). If we take our places in the Church, we have the grace to not let our hearts be troubled. The Lord teaches us: "Christ's peace must reign in your hearts, since as members of the one body you have been called to that peace" (Col 3:15).
The Lord has prepared dwelling places for us by ascending to heaven and giving spiritual gifts to us (Eph 4:8). The Father and Jesus sent the Spirit to give birth to the Church on Pentecost. Then, the Trinity raised up ministries to equip us to use our gifts to build up the Church (Eph 4:4-12). If we put our "gifts at the service of one another" (1 Pt 4:10), we will have untroubled hearts.
Be in the Church; work in the Church; be at peace.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, may I be like You. May I love the Church and give my life for her (Eph 5:25). |
| PROMISE: | "I am the Way, and the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father but through Me." –Jn 14:6 |
| PRAISE: | Sharon regularly volunteered for Presentation Ministries for years, personally passing out many thousands of One Bread, One Body booklets with a smile, a hug, and a "Praise Jesus." She died on the feast of the Immaculate Conception. |
Reprinted with permission from Presentation Ministries, a lay association of the Catholic Church that focuses on evangelization and discipleship through Bible teaching, daily Mass, the charisms of the Holy Spirit, and Small Christian Community. Their ministries include:
· One Bread, One Body
· Daily Bread Radio Program
· Annual Bible Institute
· Discipleship Retreats
· Guadalupe Bible College