privileged position
"No one lights a lamp and puts it under a bushel basket or under a bed; he puts it on a lampstand so that whoever comes in can see it." —Luke 8:16
Jesus commanded us to put His light on the lampstand and proclaim the gospel to the whole world (Lk 8:16). He also said His Word would get out to people even if we failed to proclaim it. "There is nothing hidden that will not be exposed, nothing concealed that will not be known and brought to light" (Lk 8:17).
Jesus can do the job without us. He calls us not so much because He needs us but because we need Him. Evangelization is more than our obligation; it's our privilege. What greater honor is there than to serve God Himself! With the psalmist, we should pray: "I had rather one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Ps 84:11).
When we serve and pray, work and suffer for the Lord, we have done Him no favor. He has favored us by letting us be part of His kingdom. "When you have done all you have been commanded to do, say, 'We are useless servants. We have done no more than our duty' " (Lk 17:10). Thank the Lord for the privilege of living and dying for Him.
Prayer: Jesus, why did You die for me? Am I really worth that much to You? I love You.
Promise: "When He is dealing with the arrogant, He is stern, but to the humble He shows kindness." —Prv 3:34
Praise: St. Januarius was martyred about 305 A.D. The blood that he shed for the love of Jesus is still a sign of God's great power.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Thankful to be Catholic, order, view, or download our leaflet, or order, listen to, or download our CD 49-3 or DVD 49 on our website or order our tape on audio AV 49-3 or video V-49.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016
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