Monday 3^rd March – Monday of week 8 of the year

Reflection: Mark 10:17-27

SELF MORTIFICATION

 “Go and sell everything you own and give the money to the poor; then come, follow me”. Happiness does not necessarily consist in leaving all one has, but it consists in being free of all one’s possessions in order to submit oneself to God totally. This is what Christ called the rich man to do – to detach himself from his wealth, to be ready to share with others and to help others by the means God had given him. Christ called the rich man to a state of detachment from his wealth, so as not to allow his status influence his readiness and willingness to serve Him. Christ called him to surrender all to Him, his wealth and entire life.

Dear Friends, like the rich man, Christ is calling us to surrender all we have: our wealth (our time, talents and treasures as youths) and our entire life to Him that they may be used for God’s glory. Are we ready to do this or are we like the rich man who wanted to enter God’s kingdom but was not ready to surrender all to God? Do we freely give in to Jesus so that he may take charge of our freedom, permeate our thoughts and direct our actions? Do we forsake worldly pleasures that we may abide in His presence always?

Beloved in Christ, we must always remember that; “The way of perfection passes by the way of the Cross”. There is no Holiness without renunciation and spiritual battle. There is no Salvation without Calvary. We cannot please God without putting our human and fleshy desires to death (Romans 8:8)

PRAYER: Lord take my life and my all and make them all yours. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: CCC 2015 – Spiritual progress entails the ascesis (the exercise of self-discipline) and mortification that gradually lead to living in the peace and joy of the Beatitudes

HIDE A TREASURE: “How then are you more than others? What have you that you have not received? And if you have received it, why are you proud, as if you did not receive it?”   1 Corinthians 4:7 CCB

Readings for today: 1 Peter 1:3-9; Psalm 111:1-10; Mark 10:17-27