a streetcar named 'desire'
"It is easier for a camel to pass through a needle's eye than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God." —Mark 10:25
One of the great tragedies in life is that we ultimately get what we want. Sadly, our desires lead to slavery, death, and damnation. We must ask Jesus to change our desires, or we will be doomed to have them fulfilled.
Most people prefer TV to prayer. Unless this changes, we will fit into hell more than heaven. The secular newspaper gets our attention more than the Bible. We either change or condemn ourselves to living in darkness. We put more hours into making money than into serving Jesus. No wonder our lives are empty.
Our desires are killing us and leading us to damnation. Jesus has saved us from our desires; all we need do is accept that salvation by repentance and conversion. The desires for pleasure, health, beauty, and an easy life will be less important than our hunger and thirst for holiness (Wis 7:10; Mt 5:6). We will desire Jesus in Holy Communion more than the pleasures of food or drink. Instead of walking away sad, possessed by our possessions, and having deprived ourselves of Jesus' kingdom (Mk 10:22), we will walk through life happy, free, and in love with the Lord now and forever.
Prayer: Father, free us from slavery to our human desires.
Promise: "God's word is living and effective, sharper than any two-edged sword. It penetrates and divides soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the reflections and thoughts of the heart." —Heb 4:12
Praise: Praise the risen Jesus, "King of kings and Lord of lords" (Rv 19:16), Whose death and resurrection have merited us the Kingdom of Heaven.
Reference: (For a related teaching, order our tape on Developing a Deep, Personal Relationship with Jesus on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, April 6, 2006
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