Wednesday 10th September – Wednesday of week 23 of the year
Reflection: 1 Corinthians 7: 25-31
THIS FLEETING WORLD
“…and those who have to deal with this world should not become engrossed in it. I say this because the world as we know it is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31). St Paul reminded the Corinthians that this world is temporary and hence, they should be careful to set their minds on what is eternal so as not to lose their salvation.
This 1st century warning remains something for us to ponder on especially in our generation when relativism has become the order of the day. We live in a world that has begun to embrace, promote and even legalize activities that were once considered abominable to man – homosexualism, abortion, euthanasia. Sexual immorality has become so “normal” that a young Christian is seen as “odd” if he/she does not engage in it.
Dear friends, if we think about the events plaguing our world, war in various countries, sudden loss of lives and property occurring every day as a result bomb blasts in public places in our own nation, we will realize that the line between death and life is indeed very thin and we must keep our minds on what is eternal always – Heaven. St Paul’s words do not entail that Christians should not live fulfilling lives; he simply tells us that we must not get attached to worldly things such that they cost us our salvation.
Beloved, regardless of the evils that lure us daily, let us look up to God each day and live the life of holiness to which He has called us, trusting in His superabundant grace. Let not this fleeting world rob us of our redemption and eternal happiness. Let us keep Heaven in view always.
PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for saving me from slavery to sin and death; please help me to live a life that honours you each day that I may not be lured by the passing pleasures of this world. Amen.
KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 157 – Will we be brought to judgment after death?
The so-called particular or personal judgment occurs at the moment of death of the individual. The general judgment, which is also called the Last Judgment, occurs on the Last Day, at the end of the world, when the Lord comes again.
HIDE A TREASURE: “Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hid with Christ in God” Colossians 3: 2-3 RSV-CE
Readings for Today: 1 Corinthians 7: 25-31; Psalm 45: 11-17; Luke 6: 20-26
Catholic Devotional for Youth 