things are looking up
"Since you have been raised up in company with Christ, set your heart on what pertains to higher realms, where Christ is seated at God's right hand." —Colossians 3:1
In our secular humanistic society, many people, even Christians, are preoccupied with this world. They don't think very often of God, heaven, or the afterlife. They live as if our short time on earth is all we have. This attitude is out of touch with the major aspects of reality. Therefore, secular humanists tend to feel empty, depressed, stressed, or fearful.
If they find Jesus and give themselves totally to Him, they are saved and elated, for Jesus is the only Way to the Father in heaven (Jn 14:6). He alone is the Resurrection and the Life (Jn 11:25). Those converted to Jesus are no longer doomed to be earthbound prisoners of the world. They are "raised up in company with Christ" (Col 3:1; see also Eph 2:6). They can seek what is above and "be intent on things above rather than on things of earth" (Col 3:2). In being transformed by Jesus, they can "put to death whatever in [their] nature is rooted in earth" (Col 3:5).
The world of itself is a prison. If you are living for Jesus, you have the key to free billions of prisoners from captivity. Share your faith and give the key to those worldlings who are becoming more and more sick and bored with this world. After all, "we have our citizenship in heaven; it is from there that we eagerly await the coming of our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ" (Phil 3:20).
Prayer: Father, free my mind from being "set upon the things of this world" (Phil 3:19), thus making me an enemy of Christ's cross (Phil 3:18).
Promise: "Blest are you poor; the reign of God is yours." —Lk 6:20
Praise: After losing his job, George began to attend daily Mass and has found consolation.
Rescript: †Most Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Auxiliary Bishop, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, February 15, 2019
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