jesus
"But now Christ has achieved reconciliation for you." —Colossians 1:22
Without Jesus, we would die doomed to alienation from God, other people, the world, and ourselves (Col 1:21). Without Jesus, we would nourish hostility in our hearts (Col 1:21). "We went our way in malice and envy, hateful ourselves and hating one another" (Ti 3:3). We were dead because of our sins (Eph 2:1). We "gave allegiance to the present age and to the prince of the air, that spirit who is even now at work among the rebellious. All of us were once of their company; we lived at the level of the flesh, following every whim and fancy, and so by God's nature deserved God's wrath like the rest. But God is rich in mercy; because of His great love for us He brought us to life with Christ" (Eph 2:2-5). "There is no condemnation now for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Rm 8:1).
Jesus makes all the difference in the world and after the world. Jesus is the only Way to the Father (Jn 14:6). He is the Truth and the Life Itself (Jn 14:6). Jesus is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25). Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords (see Rv 1:5). Jesus is God (see Jn 20:28).
Therefore:
- Give your whole life to Jesus.
- Worship Jesus.
- Renew your Baptism.
- Pray always for all people to live for Jesus.
- Tell everyone about Jesus.
- Make disciples of all nations (Mt 28:19).
- Love Jesus.
Prayer: "To the One seated on the throne, and to the Lamb, be praise and honor, glory and might, forever and ever!" (Rv 5:13)
Promise: "The Son of Man is Lord even of the sabbath." —Lk 6:5
Praise: "Worthy is the Lamb That was slain to receive power and riches, wisdom and strength, honor and glory and praise!" (Rv 5:12)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, February 1, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 4, 1997