GRAND STAND
“Stand your ground, and you will see the victory the Lord will win for you today.” –Exodus 14:13
Mass Readings: July 24
First: Exodus 14:5-18; Resp: Exodus 15:1-6; Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42
Listen to the Mass Readings
If we stand our ground, we will see the victory of the Lord, for He will fight for us (Ex 14:14). Moses made this promise before the Lord rescued the chosen people by drowning the Egyptians in the Red Sea. This is a symbol of Baptism.
When we stand on the ground of our Baptism, we will see the Lord’s victory. We must stand on the fact that through Baptism we are in Christ. Therefore, we are new creations, children of God the Father, redeemed by the blood of Jesus, temples of the Holy Spirit, and members of the Church, the Body of Christ.
If we stand on the ground of our own power, plans, or importance, we will not see the Lord’s victory. Our own basis for victory is groundless.
God’s victory comes to those standing on the right ground: God’s ground. Many Christians have disregarded God’s “no trespassing” signs and stand on the wrong ground. When they repent, get back where they belong, and stand there, they will see God’s victory. Back to Baptism. Forward to victory (see Ex 14:15).
PRAYER: Father, may I stand where You tell me to stand.
PROMISE: “At the judgment, the queen of the South will rise with the present generation and be the one to condemn it. She came from the farthest corner of the earth to listen to the wisdom of Solomon; but you have a greater than Solomon here.” –Mt 12:42
PRAISE: Pope Bl. Paul VI declared at St. Sharbel Mahkluf’s canonization that he had by his example and his intercession enriched the entire Christian people.
