A woman from the crowd thought Mary blest because of her physical motherhood. However, Jesus explained that a greater blessing was to hear the word of God and keep it (Lk 11:28). When we ask people to count their blessings, they usually thank God for their family, health, homes, etc. A much greater blessing is to be able to serve the Lord. "There is more happiness in giving than receiving" (Acts 20:35). How many thank God for the privilege of tithing (1 Chr 29:14), or spending hours in prayer, or even suffering? (Phil 1:29) Our food and drink is to do the will of God (Jn 4:34).
Maybe we don't appreciate the supreme privilege of serving God because we aren't serving God that much. Many people have concocted a self-serving rather than self-denying "Christianity" (see Lk 9:23). Today we are often invited to be Christians in order to feel good and get out of trouble. This is a false Christianity that denies the cross and our call to die to ourselves. When we serve the Lord and forget about being happy, we will discover happiness in hearing God's word and keeping it.
| PRAYER: | Jesus, crucify my flesh with its passions and desires (Gal 5:24). "The greatest thing in all my life is serving You." |
| PROMISE: | "The heavens and the earth quake, but the Lord is a Refuge to His people, a Stronghold to the men of Israel." –Jl 4:16 |
| PRAISE: | With God's help, Barbara accepts and even cherishes her cross. |
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