God's first creation was "good" (Gn 1:10, 12, 18, 25). God's new creation in Jesus Christ is even better. "If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation" (2 Cor 5:17). "All that matters is that one is created anew" (Gal 6:15).
God made His first creation "good," but through the deceit of Satan, man fell into sin. Since then, all creation has been groaning in sorrow and agony (Rm 8:22). Then God gave His only Son to renew mankind and creation – not just to restore them to their original goodness, but to make them wondrously new and far better than before. Jesus healed all creation (Mk 6:56) and made it new (Is 43:19; Rv 21:5).
What would you rather have, the good or the best? Many want a pristine world, where Mother Nature is left unspoiled. The environment is made into nearly a god in itself. God did make a beautiful world, and safeguarding it is a good thing. However, Jesus has come to renew creation in the Church. Jesus' idea is the best one. He says: "See, I make all things new!" (Rv 21:5)
Creation yearns for its fulfillment in Jesus (Rm 8:22). Do your part to restore creation from its groaning over sin. Repent of anything that prevents Jesus from restoring you.
| PRAYER: | Father, mold me as You wish. I give You permission to form and reform my soul the way You see fit. |
| PROMISE: | "All who touched [Jesus] got well." –Mk 6:56 |
| PRAISE: | The Lord, through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes, shrunk the growth in Clara's throat. |
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