ready, get set, grow
"Grow rather in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Glory be to Him now and to the day of eternity! Amen." —2 Peter 3:18
The Lord wants us all to become like Him and grow in age, wisdom, and grace (Lk 2:52). He orchestrates our lives so that we will be "complete in Christ" (Col 1:28), "grow to the full maturity of Christ the Head" (Eph 4:15), and "form that perfect man who is Christ come to full stature" (Eph 4:13).
To grow, we must:
- eat the spiritual food of the Eucharist (Jn 6:55) and God's Word (Mt 4:4),
- exercise and "train" ourselves "for the life of piety" (1 Tm 4:7), and
- suffer (1 Pt 1:6) that we "may be fully mature and lacking in nothing" (Jas 1:4).
Growth is a grace. Only God can make us grow. However, the grace of spiritual growth is not imposed on us. We should decide to act to receive God's grace (see 2 Pt 3:18).
Prayer: Father, may I grow more in this year than in several previous years combined.
Promise: "Their amazement at Him knew no bounds." —Mk 12:17
Praise: St. Boniface asked for the blessing of the Pope Gregory II before going to preach to the Germans. He led the newfound Church in Germany for thirty-six years before being martyred.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 27, 2018
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.