Respond – Our Allegiance To Him

BEADS OF JOY 12-26-12
“Respond – Our Allegiance To Him”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS

My Friends,

Christmas was spectacular indeed. Even if like us, you didn’t have many gifts involved, you hopefully had a wonderful day with your family and friends as we did. Today I will challenge you to RESPOND in ways that some might reject and refuse. Before you run away and click the X on the top right of the screen and leave, take the time to consider these things. The best way to set the stage will be for me to show you today’s entire gospel, just take a moment and read this. You may RESPOND before reading any further after you do read today’s scripture.

Matthew 10:17-22 (Coming Persecutions)
“Beware of men; for they will deliver you up to councils, and flog you in their synagogues, and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear testimony before them and the Gentiles. When they deliver you up, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say; for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will deliver up brother to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death; and you will be hated by all for my name's sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved.”

Whether we like it or not, our way to eternity into Heaven with Jesus is through the Cross. We have to accept the Cross that we will have to carry through life to follow Him; no, we won’t be alone and yes Jesus will help us with the burden of its weight. But in the end we must know, that that Cross we are carrying is ours. As Jesus sacrificed His blood and laid down His life to save us; we must live our life as a living sacrifice serving Him, and we may be put to the test with violence against us for following Him. That’s a reality in today’s world.

So what is today’s challenge? How might you RESPOND? Let us always remain loyal to Jesus; never surrender our allegiance to anyone else. How do you RESPOND? What is your first thought? Will you be able to have the strength to with-stand the sword for your faith? Or are you so weak and so easily intimidated, making you turn away from Jesus in an instance in fear of your own selfishness? Interesting challenge to consider; but today’s gospel is pretty clear, “…you will be hated by all…” Do you trust in Him? How do you RESPOND when your life is now the very sacrifice the world seeks? Relax, I am not the one asking you to surrender your blood; today’s gospel does suggest though, that one day we might have to decide. I promised you, this week will be a week, about how we will RESPOND to our faith. God Bless you.

“Jesus, I Trust in You.”

Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS