Jesus asks what comparison He can use for the men of today. He comes to the conclusion that we're like spoiled brats, squatting children who always want our own way and are impossible to please. Is Jesus describing us? Do we expect God to dance to our tune? (Lk 7:32) Do we expect Him to wail when we complain? (Lk 7:32) Are we critical of those He sends and judgmental of even God Himself? (Lk 7:33-34) Is this the kind of conduct which befits a member of God's household? (1 Tm 3:15)
Look at our divisions and denominations in defiance of Jesus' expressed wishes in His prayer in John 17:21. See the picky, petty concerns expressed in the average church. Witness the pleasure-seeking, compromised, worldly lifestyle of the typical American Christian. See spoiled brats who want their own way.
Nonetheless, Jesus loves us anyway and continues to call us: "Whoever wishes to be My follower must deny his very self, take us his cross each day, and follow in My steps. Whoever would save his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for My sake will save it" (Lk 9:23-24).
| PRAYER: | Father, thank You for Your unconditional love for me, a spoiled brat. I repent. Forgive and free me. |
| PROMISE: | "Wonderful, indeed, is the mystery of our faith, as we say in professing it: 'He was manifested in the flesh, vindicated in the Spirit; seen by the angels; preached among the Gentiles, believed in throughout the world, taken up into glory.' " –1 Tm 3:16 |
| PRAISE: | In his ten years as bishop, St. Cyprian faithfully endured two schisms, a persecution, a plague, exile, and finally martyrdom. |
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