Fishers and Catchers of Men: Temptations as exercise and trial

LOVE FOR GOD'S SAKE IN SERVING THE SAINTS

The saints judge nations, and rule over people: and the Lord their God shall reign for ever. Rejoice in the Lord, ye just: praise becometh the upright. (Wisdom 3:8; Ps 32:1)

These were men of mercy, whose righteous deeds have not been forgotten; their prosperity will remain with their descendants, and their inheritance to their children's children. Their descendants stand by the covenants; their children also, for their sake. Their posterity will continue for ever, and their glory will not be blotted out. Their bodies were buried in peace, and their name lives to all generations. People will declare their wisdom, and the congregation proclaims their praise (Sirach 44:10-15).

God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love which you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.

And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness in realizing the full assurance of hope until the end, so that you may not be sluggish, but imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. (Hebrews 6:10-12)

He who searches the hearts of men knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God. (Romans 8:27)

The saints have always been the source and origin of renewal in the most difficult moments in the Church's history. -- Pope John Paul II

With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints. (Ephesians 6:18)

I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?" "Here I am." I said; "send me!" (Isaiah 6:8)

It was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, that the Gentiles are coheirs, members of the same body, and copartners in the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel. (Ephesians 3:5-6)

PRAYER

I give thanks to you Father in heaven, who has made me fit to share in the inheritance of the saints in light through Jesus Christ your Son (Colossians 1:12).

All thy works shall give thanks to thee, O LORD, and all thy saints shall bless thee! (Psalm 145:10)

They shall speak of the glory of thy kingdom, and tell of thy power, to make known to the sons of men thy mighty deeds, and the glorious splendor of thy kingdom. Thy kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and thy dominion endures throughout all generations. (Psalm 145:11-13)

Love toward all the Saints

I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love toward all the saints, I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.

-- Ephesians 1: 15-18

I have derived much joy and comfort from your love, my brother, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you.

-- Philemon 1:7

A servant of God and of Jesus Christ, to further the faith of God's elect and their knowledge of the truth which accords with godliness (Titus 1:1).

I am writing this that my joy may be complete (1 John 1:1-4).

Our faith is more than just believing in God. Our faith is a call to action. We are called to embrace discipleship — to grow in holiness every day as we seek to embrace a life of virtue and imitate Christ.

This is why the lives of the saints are so important for us in trying to live a holy life. They provide numerous examples of how people have accomplished this task down through the centuries. The practical details are important; however, it is their attitude and determination to follow Christ that should first inspire us. (Kerygma)

Message

A good fisher and catcher of men always starts his day by hearing the word of God. He puts aside anything he plans to do and waits for the Lord.

Upon hearing the word of God, he then prays for enlightenment, guidance and understanding. He lifts up his spirit to have the mind and wisdom of Christ in order to comprehend the thoughts and ways of the Lord.

Obedience to God is lived by faith and trust. God is perfect and he wants you also to be perfect. This is where the reality of the world sets in. The world will make it difficult for you to obey the Lord's purpose over your life.

You will begin to reason out with the Lord, sighting a lot of excuses in order to justify why you can not do what he is telling you to do.

Grace and blessings come when you submit yourself to God and obey all that he tells you, even at the cause of experiencing pain, persecutions and sufferings.

Your obedience is brought about by your great love for God, knowing and accepting that without him, you are nothing.

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Saturday, October 2, 2010

Temptations as exercise and trial