Daily Bible: Christ is being proclaimed and in that I rejoice
Today’s reading is from Philippians 1:18-26. Saint Paul shows us what it means to live totally for Jesus. Whether he teaches or suffers, whether he lives or dies, Saint Paul is content to know that Jesus is being proclaimed through him. Read this passage and reflect on Saint Paul’s attitude toward life and death.
Psalm 42:2-5 is a beautiful reflection on what Saint Paul must have felt in his desire to die and be with Jesus. Do our hearts truly long for God?
In the Gospel of Luke 14:1-11, we hear Jesus teach a strange little parable. He tells the guests in the house of the Pharisee that when they go to a wedding feast, they should not assume a place of honor. In assuming a place of honor they risk being embarrassed when they are asked to move. By assuming a humble place they may be honored by being asked to sit in a place of higher respect. This parable was a thinly veiled commentary on the pride of those listening to Jesus’ parable. But it’s also a commentary on the Pharisees, who assumed that they would be first in the Kingdom of God. This is more than a lesson on avoiding public embarrassment in social situations. For us, Jesus’ lesson is a lesson against presumption. We always need to be aware that we are sinners, that we are dependent on God’s mercy. We should never assume that we have a privileged place in the Kingdom of God. Instead, we should imitate Saint Paul who worked for the Kingdom in every circumstance and never assumed that he had attained it.
Reflection Questions:
Who proclaims Christ to you regularly?
How do you proclaim Christ to others?
Brought to you by Jeffrey S. Arrowood at From the Abbey, dedicated to helping you rediscover the JOY of learning and living your faith so you can grow in intimacy with God.
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