clothes lines
"All of you who have been baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with Him." —Galatians 3:27
Being clothed with Christ means:
- living "honorably as in daylight" and making "no provision for the desires of the flesh" (Rm 13:13, 14),
- putting "on that new man created in God's image, whose justice and holiness are born of truth" (Eph 4:24),
- being clothed "with power from on high" (Lk 24:49), that is, the Holy Spirit (see Acts 1:8),
- clothing ourselves "with heartfelt mercy, with kindness, humility, meekness, and patience" (Col 3:12),
- clothing ourselves with humility in our "relations with one another" (1 Pt 5:5),
- "putting on faith and love as a breastplate and the hope of salvation as a helmet" (1 Thes 5:8), and
- putting "on the armor of God" so that we "may be able to stand firm against the tactics of the devil" (Eph 6:11).
When you were baptized, you were clothed with a baptismal garment to symbolize being clothed with Christ. Have you put on the full clothing and armor of God? Are you living your Baptism to the full?
Prayer: Father, may I dress for success, that is, eternal life.
Promise: "Blest are they who hear the word of God and keep it." —Lk 11:28
Praise: Fasting on Fridays not only strengthens Thomas but also his whole community.
Reference: (The Presentation Ministries Discipleship Retreat, Proclaiming the Gospel of Life, Nov. 8-10, will help you to be clothed with Christ and be equipped to build a new civilization of love. For information or to register, call 937-587-5464 or e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard L. Klug, April 10, 2002
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 18, 2002