Wednesday of the Ninth Week in Ordinary Time
Recently I was confronted by someone who said the demands of Christianity are unrealistic. In reflecting on this line I realize that they are correct. It is unrealistic to live as a Christian, especially if one wants to remain in and conform to the world. All this said, “Can we live the holy life to which we are called?”
Living a life that is holy is not easy. Take Paul’s letter to Timothy. He alludes to suffering that he is enduring for the sake of the gospel. Note that he is not complaining, Paul is simply stating that bearing hardship for the sake of the gospel is part of the path to holiness.
Holiness is not just about survival, it is about integrating the grace, mercy and peace of the Lord into every aspect of our lives. Paul witnesses to what a life of holiness entails. First be grateful for all of your blessings. Next live in a manner which allows you to worship with a clear conscious and then pray constantly for the people you love. And yet even more is still required. Having done all of this we might be a Christian, but we also might be living according to our works, our design.
Being a Christian means all of this and more. It means we need to witness to our faith in Jesus through both our words and deeds. This active discipleship demands we pursue God’s will for us without fear. We must then forgive those who do not forgive us. We must treat others with respect, which disrespect us. We must love those who hate us. We must live in a way that seems unrealistic to the world. Every moment of our lives must be given in confidence over to Christ.
Lord, stir into flame the spirit of confidence so that Your strength will be ours and our lives will reflect You alone. Help us always look forward to the resurrection of the dead and our life in the world to come. Amen.
-Michael Montgomery