wake up, church!
"And may the Lord increase you and make you overflow with love for one another and for all, even as our love does for you. May He strengthen your hearts, making them blameless and holy before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones." —1 Thessalonians 3:12-13
When the early Church prayed, they focused on increasing numbers, overflowing love, strengthened hearts, and holy lives. Is that what your church is praying for and experiencing? Are more and more people joining your church? Is the love of your brothers and sisters in Christ overflowing to cover a multitude of people and sins? (1 Pt 4:8) Are you getting stronger day by day by the Holy Spirit? Is holiness the preoccupation of your church? Do you hunger and thirst for it? (Mt 5:6) Finally, if Jesus were to come at this second, would your church be ready to meet Him? Will Jesus call you faithful, farsighted servants? (Mt 24:45)
Many churches are full of petty bickering, or are compromised with the world (Mt 24:49). Jesus is giving you time before His final coming. "He shows you generous patience, since He wants none to perish but all to come to repentance" (2 Pt 3:9). "So, beloved, while waiting for this, make every effort to be found without stain or defilement, and at peace in His sight" (2 Pt 3:14). "What sort of men must you not be! How holy in your conduct and devotion, looking for the coming of the day of God and trying to hasten it" (2 Pt 3:11-12). Jesus says: "Yes, I am coming soon!" His Church responds: "Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!" (Rv 22:20)
Prayer: Jesus, may I and my church be ready for Your coming and try to hasten it. Maranatha! Come, Lord Jesus!
Promise: "You must be prepared in the same way. The Son of Man is coming at the time you least expect. —Mt 24:44
Praise: St. Joseph founded a school to teach poor children free of charge. Since he was short of help, he walked children home and swept floors in addition to teaching the children about Jesus.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 8, 2005
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