good spiritual shape
"Be on guard lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence and drunkenness and worldly cares." —Luke 21:34
Not only can our bodies become fat and bloated but even more so can our spirits. In this condition, we cannot protect ourselves from Satan or prepare ourselves for Jesus' final coming. Because we are not in good spiritual shape, the Lord has delayed His coming and the end of the world (see 2 Pt 3:9).
The Lord has given us an extension to get in good spiritual condition. "Train yourself for the life of piety, for while physical training is to some extent valuable, the discipline of religion is incalculably more so, with its promise of life here and hereafter" (1 Tm 4:7-8). St. Paul declared: "What I do is discipline my own body and master it, for fear that after having preached to others I myself should be rejected" (1 Cor 9:27). Jesus will meet us in the air (1 Thes 4:17). Are you in any condition to fly?
"Since everything is to be destroyed in this way, 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) On this last day of the Church year, let's repent of all our selfish indulgence and worldliness, and make a clean break with the world, the flesh, and the devil. "If by the Spirit you put to death the evil deeds of the body, you will live" (Rm 8:13). Let's make a new beginning this Advent season. Let's live both a life and a lifestyle in the Spirit and prepare not only for Jesus' Christmas coming but also His final coming. Jesus says: "Remember, I am coming soon!" (Rv 22:7)
Prayer: Holy Spirit, get me in good shape. Through repentance and healing, may I lose the weight of sin, hurt, and resentment. May I build up the muscles of faith, hope, and love.
Promise: "They shall see Him face to face and bear His name on their foreheads." —Rv 22:4
Praise: Larry now receives the Eucharist daily.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 31, 2016
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