the greatest greatness
"Anyone among you who aspires to greatness must serve the rest." —Matthew 20:26
If you are a Christian, you are literally an adopted child of God. You have a new nature in Christ, a share in the divine nature (2 Pt 1:4). You are royal, priestly, holy, chosen, and set apart (see 1 Pt 2:9). Considering your identity in Christ, you are obviously called to greatness.
However, we must understand greatness the way Jesus does. Our greatness is not the greatness of the world but the greatness of the cross (see Mt 20:25-26).
Once we become convinced of our call to true greatness, we look at life much differently. For example, in this booklet we repeatedly encourage you to pray the Mass daily or as frequently as possible. Daily Mass is almost a logical conclusion for those who know their call to greatness. In this booklet, we try to move people from Bible illiteracy or ignorance to a life in God's word (see Jn 8:31). Only those who know their call to greatness see the need to immerse themselves in God's word.
So many Christians live lukewarm, mediocre lives. How can Christians settle for less than giving the Lord their best? They must not realize their call to greatness. This Lent, ask the Holy Spirit to confirm your identity and your call to greatness.
Prayer: Father, may I let You fulfill Your great plan in my life.
Promise: "Remember that I stood before You to speak in their behalf, to turn away Your wrath from them." —Jer 18:20
Praise: Lenten fasting made Joseph aware of how lax he had become in the actual practice of the faith he professed. He repented and fasted as never before.
Reference: (Presentation Ministries' Discipleship Program offers a ten-day series of retreats April 16-24, 2004. For information or to register, e-mail retreats@presentationministries.com or call 937-587-5464.)
Nihil Obstat: Reverend Richard Walling, July 18, 2003
Imprimatur: †Most Reverend Carl K. Moeddel, Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, July 24, 2003