The "radical newness" of the Christian life (see Lay Members of Christ's Faithful People, Pope St. John Paul II, 10) is sometimes buried under our sins and lukewarmness (see Rv 3:16). In our refusal to abandon ourselves totally to the Lord, we make Christianity a club, game, organization, or private avocation. However, life in Christ is not merely one option as a possible way of life. It is the only Way that is true, life-giving, loving, freeing, and victorious over death. To be a Christian is the most radical and exciting adventure that a human being can ever decide to take.
Our life in Christ is the only life worth dying for. In and for Christ it is our privilege to be attacked, stripped, flogged, whipped, jailed, and martyred (see Acts 16:22ff). In the Christian life, the earth quakes, prisons are rocked, doors fly open, and chains are snapped (Acts 16:26ff). Life without Christ is so boring that only those blinded by sin or dead in sin can stand it.
What are you waiting for? Choose life (see Dt 30:19), excitement, and love. "Believe in the Lord Jesus and you will be saved, and all your household" (Acts 16:31).
| PRAYER: | Father, give me the life worth dying for. |
| PROMISE: | "Yet I tell you the sober truth: it is much better for you that I go. If I fail to go, the Paraclete will never come to you, whereas if I go, I will send Him to you." –Jn 16:7 |
| PRAISE: | Bill experienced a profound conversion of heart as he observed the peace of Christ displayed by a Christian coworker amid a stressful month at work. |
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