bittersweet
“My mission is to spread, not peace, but division.”—Matthew 10:34
The Christian life is rough. If we want to lead a godly life, we will be persecuted (2 Tm 3:12). Our enemies may be those of our own household (Mt 10:36). As followers of Christ, we must take up our crosses daily (Lk 9:23) and bring ourselves to nought for Jesus (Mt 10:39). The Christian life can be very painful and lonely. However, we find our joy in suffering for Jesus (Col 1:24; 1 Pt 4:13).
The Christian life is also full of joy and serendipities. The Lord will raise up people to give us a cup of cold water, a pizza, a prayer, a smile, a flower, or other gifts (see Mt 10:42). The Lord gives His followers His own joy — complete joy (Jn 15:11). As Christians, we move from grace to grace (Jn 1:16, RSV-CE) and from glory to glory (2 Cor 3:18).
The Christian life is both the most difficult and the most wonderful life possible for a human being. Do you want to really live? Give your life to Jesus; choose Christ as your Life (Jn 14:6; Phil 1:21). Live, suffer, and rejoice in life in Christ.
Prayer: Father, thank You for deciding to live in me and letting me live in You (see Jn 17:23).
Promise: “Wash yourselves clean! Put away your misdeeds from before My eyes; cease doing evil; learn to do good. Make justice your aim: redress the wronged, hear the orphan’s plea, defend the widow.” —Is 1:16-17
Praise: St. Bonaventure was a Franciscan, theologian and Doctor of the Church, much beloved by all who knew him.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Accepting Jesus as Lord, Savior and God, view, download or order our leaflet or listen to, download or order our CD 43-1 or DVD 43 on our website.)
Rescript: "In accord with the Code of Canon Law, I hereby grant the Nihil Obstat for the publication One Bread, One Body covering the time period from June 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024. Reverend Steve J. Angi, Chancellor, Vicar General, Archdiocese of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio October 4, 2023"
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.