"fix your eyes on jesus" (heb 3:1)
"Let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, Who inspires and perfects our faith." —Hebrews 12:2
When we are persecuted and, like Jeremiah, thrown in the muddy cistern to die (Jer 38:6), "let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:2).
When we are tempted to "grow despondent or abandon the struggle" (Heb 12:3), "let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:2).
When there's division in our families, "three against two and two against three" (Lk 12:52), let us forgive 70 x 7 (Mt 18:22) and "fix [our] eyes on Jesus" (Heb 3:1).
When we get the bad news of a death in the family, a cancerous tumor, a divorce, a suicide, or a sin, "let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:2).
When we get the good news of pregnancy, birth, repentance, reconciliation, salvation, healing, or a happy death, "let us keep our eyes fixed on Jesus" (Heb 12:2).
When we look at Jesus, we see Him risen, glorified, and enthroned in supreme power at the right hand of God the Father. When we look at Jesus, we see His nail-scarred hands and feet. We see crucified love. The crucified and glorified Jesus invites each of us not only to look at Him but to live for and in Him. Accept His invitation.
Prayer: Father, with my eyes fixed on Jesus, may I struggle "against sin" and even shed my blood for love of You (Heb 12:4).
Promise: "I have come to light a fire on the earth." —Lk 12:49
Praise: Praise Jesus, our Hope for the resurrection of the dead.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 23, 2016
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