Focus on Christ: The Kingdom of God is at Hand
3rd Sunday of Ordinary Time – Year B
The readings for this Sunday convey a sense of urgency to convert and change our ways because the Kingdom of God is at hand. If we observe the world around us, we see agitation and unrest everywhere. The coronavirus has greatly altered the way we live. We are presented with the moral question of taking or refusing the vaccine. We have just witnessed a dramatic shift in our government. Abroad there is also unrest. Different physical phenomena such as volcanoes in Italy, strange weather patterns over the North Pole, and earthquakes in South America are taking place. Needless to say, the world is being shaken on every level: socially, economically, and most important spiritually.
In all of this uncertainty, we might be tempted to give into fear. However, as Catholic Christians, what we need more than ever are the virtues of hope and courage. Hope reminds us that our earthly life is passing and that we are made for Heaven. Courage is necessary to face the moral issues and dilemmas that we face, stand up for what we believe and know to be True, and be ready even to give our lives for this Truth.
The readings today show us very clearly what we must do and how we must proceed to live with hope and courage. Like the Apostles, we must follow Christ and keep our minds, hearts, and gaze focused unwaveringly on Him. This means that we must pray daily from the heart the words of Psalm 25: “Your ways, O LORD, make known to me; teach me your paths, Guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my savior.” God is our good, compassionate, loving, and kind Savior. And if we cling to Him with all of our being—if we follow Him without hesitation—He will see to it that none of us or our loved ones are be lost.
Time is running out, my brothers and sisters, so let us make the most of what is left to truly change our hearts and live with, in, and for Jesus Christ in a spirit of faith, hope, and charity.
Yours in Christ,
Father Arthur
Readings for the Third Sunday of Ordinary Time: Lectionary 68
Tags: #charity, #faith, #frarthurmarat, #hope, #olw, #olwparish, #pastorsletter
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