ready, get set, go
Jesus "set His face toward Jerusalem." —Luke 9:51 (our translation)
Jesus "firmly resolved to proceed toward Jerusalem" (Lk 9:51). This was one of the most important decisions in human history. This decision to go to Jerusalem was a crucial moment in God's plan of salvation, for it ended in Jesus' saving death and glorious Resurrection.
Immediately after making this decision, Jesus was opposed by Samaritans and had to rebuke James and John to deliver them from the evil one (Lk 9:53, 55). We likewise face serious problems after we make our most important decisions for Jesus. How many people have been rejected by their friends and co-workers after they have decided to give their lives to Jesus! So many Christians have made the decision to be pure, only to face what seemed to be huge temptations, and even abuse, for trying to live a holy life.
After I had "set my face" toward the vocation of the priesthood, the devil tried to talk me out of it by spotlighting many abuses in the Church. Many Christian couples, after they have "set their faces" toward becoming a holy family, experience financial difficulties. Those who set their faces in obedience to God have unsettling experiences.
Nevertheless, we all must keep our faces set towards God's will in our life. If we do, we will finally rise from the dead after having suffered and died for love of Jesus. Set your face (see Is 50:7).
Prayer: Father, may I not move to the right or to the left, but be set in Your ways (Dt 5:32).
Promise: "Many peoples and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to implore the favor of the Lord." —Zec 8:22
Praise: St. Therese was reared in an extremely devout Catholic family. She is the child of two canonized Saints, Louis Martin and Zelie Guerin.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, March 11, 2019
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