know new or no new
"I give you a new commandment." —John 13:34
The Lord makes all things new (Rv 21:5). We will see "new heavens and a new earth" (Rv 21:1). We will see "a new Jerusalem" (Rv 21:2). The Lord makes all things new through us, especially as we obey the new commandment of love (Jn 13:34). "This means that if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old order has passed away; now all is new!" (2 Cor 5:17) The Holy Spirit is renewing "the face of the earth" (Ps 104:30). "All that matters is that one is created anew" (Gal 6:15).
Although the Lord is making all things new, we often prefer the old to the new (see Lk 5:39). In our selfishness, we value the comfort of the old life more highly than the sacrifices, sufferings, and love in the new life. We must change our minds, repent, and deny ourselves (see Lk 9:23), or we will reject the new, insist on continuing the old life of selfishness and sin, and go to the same old hell.
Jesus says: "See, I make all things new!" (Rv 21:5) Do you see? Are you new? Choose new!
Prayer: Father, on this Mother's Day, answer the prayers of mothers as they pray for their children to repent of acting as if the same old sinful ways were new.
Promise: "They gave their disciples reassurances, and encouraged them to persevere in the faith with this instruction: 'We must undergo many trials if we are to enter into the reign of God.' " —Acts 14:22
Praise: Praise Jesus, risen from the dead and raising the dead! Alleluia!
Reference: (Our monthly Christian newspaper, My People, carries a regular column entitled "A New Creation." To order, call our Ministry Center at 513-662-5378.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Robert L. Hagedorn, July 26, 1997
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 29, 1997