As a baptized child of God, you have a share in the blessings of the gospel (1 Cor 9:23; Eph 1:3). Likewise, you also have a share in the hardship the gospel of Christ requires (2 Tm 1:8).
Jesus in His mercy brings His disciples hope in the midst of hardships. In today's Gospel reading, Jesus takes three disciples up a mountain and allows them to experience His transfigured brilliance and glory (Mt 17:1ff). St. Peter understood this earthly dynamic between glory and suffering. He told us that the spiritual high of Jesus' Transfiguration was a light "shining in a dark place" for all of us who bear gospel hardships (2 Pt 1:16-19). Peter also understood them as a normal part of the gospel. He tells us: "Christ suffered in the flesh; therefore arm yourselves with His same mentality" (1 Pt 4:1).
Our hardships are few compared to those of our ancestors in faith. Abram moved hundreds of miles at age seventy-five (Gn 12:1ff). Mary, the mother of Jesus, suffered many sorrows. Countless disciples have been martyred for the gospel. Most of us have not even endured one of the hardships mentioned in a partial list of St. Paul's sufferings for the gospel (2 Cor 11:23-33). "The present burden of our trial is light enough" (2 Cor 4:17), and the Lord gives us daily strength (2 Tm 1:8) and periodic glimpses of His glory so we can persevere (e.g. Mt 17:2).
"Take courage...says the Lord, and work" for the spread of the gospel (Hg 2:4). "With the strength which comes from God bear your share of the hardship which the gospel entails" (2 Tm 1:8).
| PRAYER: | Father, use my life in service of the gospel (Rm 15:16). |
| PROMISE: | "God has saved us and has called us to a holy life." –2 Tm 1:9 |
| PRAISE: | Praise Jesus, Who suffered the ultimate rejection and pain for love of 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