The first reading asks us to serve God using God given talents.
Whoever preaches, let it be with the words of God;
whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies,
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
whoever serves, let it be with the strength that God supplies,
so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ,
to whom belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
In serving him, we should not rely on ourselves, on our own abilities, skills and experiences. Yes, we need to move, we need to act for God to be glorified and his work be done, but it should not be us doing God’s work. IT should be God doing his work through us. We should die of ourselves and allow God to live in us. We should have faith that he will equip us with words, strength, patience and love to serve Him, to glorify him. it is only in knowing that we are not doing this on our own and the realization that it is by God’s grace that we are able to serve Him, can we really give back the glory to Him – because we know that it was not us, it was all Him doing things through us.
The first reading also says that we will experience trials. God never fails to warn us that it will not be easy all the time, that we will experience trials. However, he also reminds us to focus on Him and have faith that he is watching over us and protecting us when these trials hit our lives. We are asked to focus on Him, and rejoice, that in as much as we are one with Christ on his suffering, we will also be one with him in his glory.
In the gospel, we see Jesus saying these words to his disciples. “Have faith in God.” He acknowledges that it is God’s power making things possible, and that our faith in God gives Him the opportunity to unlock not only his power, but also his blessings in our lives.
Jesus said to them in reply, "Have faith in God.
Amen, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain,
'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,'
and does not doubt in his heart
but believes that what he says will happen,
it shall be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
'Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,'
and does not doubt in his heart
but believes that what he says will happen,
it shall be done for him.
Therefore I tell you, all that you ask for in prayer,
believe that you will receive it and it shall be yours.
Yes, our faith is that powerful. I believe Jesus was not exaggerating when he said this. God’s power is not limited. We only need to have that much faith as well for Him to bless us with these things. We need to have faith and be ready for the outpouring of his blessings, of his grace.
Do I believe that God can and will use me mightily to proclaim his kingdom? What am I praying for right now? What is my biggest concern or problem? What is my biggest struggle? Is it a health problem for me or my loved one? Is it me wanting a partner, or having things fixed with my partner? Is it getting rid of a bad habit, or an unhealthy relationship? Is it about my career and my future? Do I have faith in God, that he can take care of these things is I let him, if I surrender? Can I honestly say that in praying to God, I have full faith and confidence in God? Do I want to improve my faith? How?
May we see the beauty and the power of faith in God, and have the desire to work to improve ours.
Father God,
Thank you for the gift of faith. Thank you for giving me something very powerful. I ask Lord that you help me strengthen my faith. I know there are a lot of times that I get weak, especially when things seem uncertain, when the world seems to tell me it is impossible. But Father God, you say that with you, anything is possible. I ask that you help me believe that will all my heart. Strengthen my faith that I may serve you more, that I may serve you well. All this I ask in Jesus name. Amen.
Blessed Friday!
In Christ,
-g-
PS,
See related reflections:
amen
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