Dear Friends in Christ,In listening to the Word of God for this weekend, we are given a fundamental blueprint as to God's intention for us through the words of the Prophet Jeremiah and the words of Jesus. Jeremiah describes the kind of relationship that God is desirous to have with His people. He tells us,
"The days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new covenant... "I will place my law within them and write it upon their hearts; I will be their God and they shall be my people." "All from the least to greatest, shall know me, says the Lord, for I will forgive their evildoing and remember their sin on more."
Such a relationship with God will require a willingness to "die" to sin so as to experience the "eternal life" that is being offered to us by God. The covenant of God is such that it takes us beyond this mortal world to the world of the immortal. Jesus explains this new life when he reminded His followers of the need to reflect an authentic life of discipleship that is seen in one's words and actions.
"Amen, amen, I say to you, unless the grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains just a grain of wheat; but if it dies, it produces much fruit. Whoever loves his life loses it and whoever hates his life in this world will preserve it for eternal life. Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be. The Father will honor whoever serves me."
These words of Jesus may be somewhat startling for some. They indicate the seriousness of God's love for us and the need for followers to be as serious about their commitment to God. Being a follower of Jesus is not a part-time job or something that we do when we have time from our regular busy schedule. True and authentic followers of the Lord must have Christ as their main focus in life. Could there be anything more important than truly following Jesus, which can only lead to eternal life? The answer to this question is only as obvious as is the faithful and committed follower of Christ.
My friends, I once again invite you to pray with me for the grace to live a life that is truly worthy of our calling. May the words of the Psalmist ring true in our hearts.
"A clean heart create for me, O God, and a steadfast spirit renew within me. Cast me not out from your presence, and your Holy Spirit take not from me."
May God give each of us the grace to be willing to respond from our heart.
