"my precious''
"I know now how devoted you are to God, since you did not withhold from Me your own beloved son." —Genesis 22:12
Abraham was willing to give up his son for God, Who sent His Son for us. "God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him may not die but may have eternal life" (Jn 3:16).
Would you give up your son, life, family, and self for God? The psalmist proclaims: "Your kindness is a greater good than life" (Ps 63:4), and "I had rather one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I had rather lie at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked" (Ps 84:11). The song goes: "Lord, You are more precious than silver; Lord, You are more costly than gold. Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds, and nothing I desire compares with You."
Is Jesus' Kingdom the precious pearl for which we sell all that we have? (Mt 13:46) Could we truthfully say: "I have come to rate all as loss in the light of the surpassing knowledge of my Lord Jesus Christ"? (Phil 3:8)
Is Jesus your renown, praise, and beauty? (Jer 13:11) You're His pride and joy. He loves you, even to dying on the cross for you. Is He all you're living for? "For, to me, 'life' means Christ" (Phil 1:21).
Prayer: "Jesus, my Lord, my God, my All!" You gave Your life for me. I give my life to You.
Promise: "When Jesus saw their faith He said to the paralytic, 'Have courage, son, your sins are forgiven.' " —Mt 9:2
Praise: St. Maria regarded her virginity more precious than life. As she lay dying, she forgave her murderer and received Jesus with joy.
Reference: (For a related teaching on Developing a Deep Personal Relationship with Jesus, order, listen to or download our CD 52-1 or DVD 52 on our website or order our tape on audio AV 52-1 or video V-52.)
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 22, 2017
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