What is your god?

 

"Examine yourselves to see whether you are living in faith. Test yourselves. Do you not realize that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless, of course, you fail the test."

In the last chapter of 2 Corinthians, Paul makes this statement that, I think, we should all take to heart.

Are you living in faith? What in your life shows that you are, or, more unsettling, what in your life reveals that you aren't?

Paul goes on, telling the Corinthians, "I hope you will discover that we have not failed."

That's because it was important that when the people of Corinth observed Paul, that they would see someone in the "fight," someone whose discipleship was genuine. 

It is so important that we try to live genuine lives of faith, lives that are not contradictory to the gospel. In each of our lives, there is surely a great struggle between doing what we feel like doing, and doing what is in line with what our faith teaches us.

It is not an easy struggle, and we are definitely not perfectly succeeding, but we must be perfectly trying.

One way to put yourself to the test is to ask yourself, "What is my god?" It's an important question.

Are you focused on food? Possessions? Work? Reputation? Consider replacing whatever it is that you are focused on with thoughts of loving God, helping others, sacrifice and service--being a good disciple.

In doing this, you will come to realize what you have made your god, and you will be on your way to adjusting your focus to be on the one, true God.

Janet Cassidy

Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy 

What's Holding You Back?

 

I came cross a quote by St. Bernard of Clairvaux that addressed the issue of people who cannot seem to get to a place of faith.

He asked a lot of questions that got me to thinking about WHY, indeed, don't you believe in God. You must have your reasons, but maybe you should dig a little deeper as to what they are.

Bernard wondered (and answered) these questions. Are they relevant to you today? Maybe you can make your own list of questions.

What are you afraid of, that he (God) will not pardon your sins?

Are you used to soft living?

Are you bound like a chain because of your habit of sin?

Are you angry because how big and frequent your sins are and how slow God is in helping you?

Are you unwilling to give up your possessions?

In answering these questions, Bernard offered a remedy for each one:

Jesus died on the cross for our sins. He forgives us.

Jesus knows our weaknesses.

He frees prisoners from what binds them, he can loosen our chain of sin.

Where sin abounds, God gives us grace.

God knows all that we need. What more could we want?

And his final question, which should make anyone sitting on the fence  really stop and think:

"What else is there to hold you back from the way of salvation?"

Have you told yourself an untruth about God or the Church, or you are holding on to something you need to work through and set aside? Explore the reasons you have been holding so tight to your contrary thoughts.

This journey will lead you to God, but if for some reason you remain in your stubbornness, you can always continue in your unbelief. 

But why would you?

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy  

 

 

 

 

 

 

A quick word about Mary

 

 

On this blessed Holy Day (Assumption of Mary) it is a good opportunity to explain a little about the Catholic Church's view of Mary, the Mother of Jesus.

For some people, Mary is a roadblock to Catholicism. Part of the reason is the belief that Catholic's worship Mary. 

We do not. Neither do we consider Mary God.

We adore Mary. We hold her up in the place of honor in which she was placed by God the Father. Specially chosen to be the Mother of Jesus, we give her the respect she is due.

The Catholic Church didn't design it this way, God did.

Mary was prepared for this role and she accepted it, even though it brought her much heartache (and blessings) over the years. 

There is much that can be said about Mary, but I think it is important to put out there in the e-verse the simple fact that Catholics do not consider Mary a replacement for Jesus.

She should not be an obstacle for anyone. 

She is our dear Mother and we turn to her as one who is deeply connected to her Son. Like his love, her love is unlimited. 

Today we celebrate Mary's assumption into heaven, where she takes her rightful place next to Jesus. It is a great opportunity for us to celebrate her.

Come, be a part of the celebration of our dear Mother today!

Janet Cassidy

Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

janetcassidy.com
https://www.facebook.com/reflectionsinfaith/
https://www.youtube.com/@janetcassidy