Livestock are branded so that others can tell who owns them. Paul bore the brand marks of Jesus on his body, so all could determine that Jesus owned him. Paul's brand marks were scars and bruises from the beatings, stonings, and other sufferings he endured for Jesus (see Acts 14:19; 16:22ff; 2 Cor 11:23ff). Other saints have born the stigmata, the wounds of Christ, in their hands and feet.
Could someone tell by looking at your body that you belong to Christ? Here are the brand marks of some Christians I know:
Be crucified to the world (Gal 6:14). Be branded for Jesus, and "glorify God in your body" (1 Cor 6:20).
| PRAYER: | Jesus, receive my body as a living sacrifice (Rm 12:1). |
| PROMISE: | "As a mother comforts her son, so will I comfort you." –Is 66:13 |
| PRAISE: | Praise the risen Jesus, Who bears the marks of His death as a sign of His great love for us. |
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