truth and consequences
"Do you suppose...that you will escape [God's] judgment?" —Romans 2:3
If we sin and are too stubborn to repent, we are storing up wrath for Judgment Day (Rm 2:4-6). This wrath includes fury, affliction, and distress (Rm 2:8-9). Yet to those who have repented and totally given their lives to the Lord, to "those who strive for glory, honor, and immortality by patiently doing right" (Rm 2:7), the Lord gives eternal life (Rm 2:7). Eternal life includes "glory, honor, and peace" (Rm 2:10).
Although we are so small in the universe and our time on earth is so short, our lives have astounding and everlasting consequences. Therefore, we must make the most of this moment in eternity by loving the Lord with all our hearts and thereby escaping from the prison of selfishness. "What profit does he show who gains the whole world and destroys himself in the process?" (Lk 9:25)
Let us lose our lives by giving them to Jesus. He will save our lives so that we will not lose them forever (see Lk 9:24). Jesus is our only Hope, but the only Hope we need. Let us accept Jesus as our Lord, Savior, and God on His terms. Let us choose Jesus as our Life (Jn 14:6) and the only Way to eternal life.
Prayer: Jesus, I am all Yours.
Promise: "Do you presume on His kindness and forbearance? Do you not know that God's kindness is an invitation to you to repent?" —Rm 2:4
Praise: St. Teresa's trust in God, her common sense, and her great capacity for work enabled her to accomplish amazing feats to build up the Church.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our leaflet, Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior, and God, or on audio AV 43-1 or video V-43.)
Rescript:
The Nihil Obstat ("Permission to Publish") is a declaration that a book or pamphlet is considered to be free of doctrinal or moral error. It is not implied that those who have granted the Nihil Obstat agree with the contents, opinions, or statements expressed.
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Giles H. Pater, April 24, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 28, 2003