“PREPARE – To Boldly Suffer”
©2012 James Dacey, Jr. OFS
My Friends,
Are we called to be a martyr for our faith? How would you PREPARE if you were? Does fear shake through your body when you stand up for what you believe in; and in whom you believe in? Thinking about all this, do you wonder; is there really a way to PREPARE for this? Does our humility in our faith direct your thoughts; thinking that others must see us as weak and helpless, when we are humble and willing to suffer and even die? John the Baptist was killed for his faith in sharing the forthcoming of Jesus. I believe John’s life was a life that was all about always being prepared; he lived free of any worldly connections of pleasure or commitment. In today’s scripture, Jesus says, “…among those born of women there has risen no one greater than John the Baptist,” Through the Holy Spirit we are bold in what we believe; and with the help of the Holy Spirit, we are led to align ourselves with Jesus more and more. PREPARE your heart, PREPARE your life and PREPARE your soul. Martyrs bravely stand up for the truth; as Jesus shed His Holy blood to free us, when we shed our blood in His defense, we unite ourselves more boldly with Him.
Today’s gospel can be found in Matthew 11:11-15 (Jesus’ Testimony to John). John was the prophet who ended the Old Testament, while directing everyone to Jesus, the beginning of the New Testament. He took a very bold step knowing that many hated his message. I wonder are there other ways that we can live our life as a Living Martyr? Not that we’d never be tested by the sword, but for today’s positive message of our Lord, let us look at how in our life of living for Him, that we can live as we die. Now that’s insightfully more true to our faith than just a bunch of words. PREPARE to be challenged my friends. Your humility will be tested and pushed over the cliff; but I know you will be fine.
Be a Living Martyr?? Hmm what could or does that mean? When we follow Jesus, “honestly”, ok, when we “Honestly Follow Jesus” and spend our life seeking Him out, what happens? If we are true to task and mission of living our life for Him, then we will be a living sacrifice for our love and faith in Him. Romans 12:1 says it all, referring to scripture is the greatest way to always remain focused on our faith, “…brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” In all things PREPARE, and be prepared as you live each day for Him. Don’t live your life selfishly. Stop being so arrogant, the world does not revolve around you. Always place others needs and desires before your own. Think of others first, ask and be concerned about their well-beings always; just as John put the saving of another’s soul first and foremost in his life. We to can do the same with our family and friends.
“Jesus, I
Trust in You.”
Your Brother in Christ Jesus
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
and His Most Precious Mother Mary,
Jimmy (The Rosary Man) Dacey Jr OFS
