Tagged: Daily Reflections

DEATH IN THE FAMILY

“Both Mahlon and Chilion died also, and the woman was left with neither her two sons nor her husband.” —Ruth 1:5 All the men in Naomi’s family died, her husband and two married sons. Under these circumstances, many would despair and their lives would fall apart. But, by God’s power, death in the family can become life-giving and lift the family to new heights of love and grace. For example, Ruth could rise above her grief at her husband’s death to exhibit a faithfulness to her mother-in-law, a prophetic example of our heavenly Father’s faithfulness. When Ruth left her homeland...

ONE HELL OF A DECISION

“Bind him hand and foot and throw him out into the night to wail and grind his teeth.” —Matthew 22:13 We can hear the word “hell” used frequently in the workplace, on TV and radio, in all types of popular music, at the ball games — everywhere, it seems, except in church, the one place where we most need to be repeatedly taught and warned about the reality of hell, the “state of definitive self-exclusion from communion with God” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 1033). Not enough people in our society have a healthy fear of ending up in hell....

THE MIND OF CHRIST (1 COR 2:16)

m of heaven. Instead of spending our lives worrying about paying the bills, we focus on allowing God to provide for our genuine needs while we are occupied with doing His will and leading people into a new life in Christ. God knows everything we need before we ask Him (Mt 6:32). He is not stingy, but exceedingly generous. He is just, and though He demands that we bear fruit for His kingdom, He will not fail to provide for and bless those who spend their lives working for His sake (see Heb 6:10). Therefore, set your mind on heaven,...

TRUTH SOMETIMES HURTS

Jeremiah ” ‘ought to be put to death,’ the princes said to the king; ‘he demoralizes the soldiers who are left in this city, and all the people, by speaking such things to them.’ ” —Jeremiah 38:4 The Lord commands us to speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). If we fail to try to dissuade others from their wicked conduct, God holds us responsible for their deaths (Ez 3:18). We must be men and women of the truth. However, in a world of lies, the truth and those who speak it are rejected. For example, Jeremiah spoke the truth...

FAMILY MAN

“As for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” —Joshua 24:15 Is your family so united that the father can speak for the whole family, as Joshua did? Are you of “one heart and one mind,” at least with your spouse? (Acts 4:32) Do your children share your faith in the Lord? Is your family united, or is it several independent, isolated individuals? The Lord is working at this moment to unite your family around Himself as the Center. As each member of your family draws closer to Jesus, you will become closer to each other. The way...