The 2nd Letter to Timothy reminds us to “stir into flame the gift of God.” We have been blessed with our knowledge of Jesus Christ; every day we have a new opportunity to let our faith shine in the world.
Msgr. Ed Meulemans was my pastor when I arrived at the Cathedral as a newly ordained priest in 1997. Over the years he has been a great friend and mentor, teaching me many lessons about discipleship and priesthood. May he rest in peace!
Mary’s response to the angel Gabriel reveals her role in God’s plan for our salvation. Chosen by the Lord, she offers us an example of faithfulness that inspires us every day to say yes to God’s call for our lives.
How strong is our faith in the Lord? Do we see Jesus at work in our lives? Two blind men in the Gospel of Matthew teach us today how to call upon the Lord in our blindness as we trust in Christ’s guidance every day.
Jesus reminds his disciples that when our actions match the words of our faith we build our lives on a foundation which can weather the storms of life.
Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is among us. Our task is not to go chasing around looking for the Lord, but rather to live as his disciples as we apply our faith to every aspect of our lives.
The people in the readings were tempted, even as they were striving to follow God. They show us that we need to be vigilant against temptation as we engage our faith in Christ with the support of one another.
The readings state plainly the hostility and difficulty we often find in lives. Sometimes the battle is outside ourselves, and sometimes it is within. Yet as we fight our battles, we constantly use our most powerful weapon: the grace we receive through our faith in Jesus Christ!
The Scriptures touch upon a common theme: responding with faith in a time of trial. Isaiah, James, and Peter all face difficult moments, and in their responses we can examine our own lives and consider how we draw upon our faith when life tests us.