Living in the Light of Christ

 

 

Today, as we celebrate the feast of two Apostles--Sts. Simon and Jude--we are reminded of who we are called to be as "fellow citizens," and "members of the household of God." We are built on the foundation of the Apostles, set in Jesus.

Each of us has been chosen by God and are called to be disciples of the One who shows us what it means to love and serve others. We must avoid temptations that lead us into darkness, because we follow Jesus, the Light of the World.

The responsibility of discipleship is great. It means turning away from sin and living in the freedom that comes to members of God's household.

We have been warned that we will be tempted, fooled, into thinking that which is evil, is good. 

I would venture to guess that not one of us doesn't understand this warning. Who hasn't, at times, thought they were making a choice that would lead to good, only to discover that they were walking down the wrong path.

While we may be easily tricked, following the way of Christ really shouldn't be that hard. We just need to ask ourselves if our words and actions meet the standard exampled by Jesus.

Are we concerned more about our brothers and sisters than ourselves?
Are we attached to our own ideas and possessions?
Are we committed to our ways, rather than the way of Jesus?
Will we open our minds to Jesus and accept hardship?

The Apostles were reminded that each of us is a part of the sacred temple of the Lord, and that we are being "built together" by the Holy Spirit.

Today's reading is a sound reminder that we are "no longer strangers and sojourners," but members of the same Body of Christ. 

These words provide a good reset for us, calling us to all we can be:

"Brothers and sisters:
You are no longer strangers and sojourners,
but you are fellow citizens with the holy ones
and members of the household of God,
built upon the foundation of the Apostles and prophets,
with Christ Jesus himself as the capstone.
Through him the whole structure is held together
and grows into a temple sacred in the Lord;
in him you also are being built together
into a dwelling place of God in the Spirit."  Eph 2:19-22

Janet Cassidy
Email me at:  jmctm2@gmail.com

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