Wednesday 14^th January – Wednesday of Week 1 of the Year

Reflection: Hebrews 2:14-18

THE SACRIFICE FOR OUR SALVATION

Dear friends in Christ, the depths of God’s love for us his children is great and indeed beyond our comprehension. The assurance of His immense love is a treasure which the believer can hold on to when going through moments of trial. If God could become man because of you and me, we must never give up on ourselves and neglect the grace He gives us to rise up again when we have fallen into sin.

Today’s first reading reminds us of what Christ’s death accomplished for us. His death and resurrection has freed us from the fear of death by giving us the hope of eternity with God. In fulfilment of God’s perfect plan, in order to show us how to live our lives amidst the turmoil of the world, Christ became like us in every way in order to be our faithful and merciful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17). Hence, each time we celebrate the Holy Eucharist, we are reminded that Christ is with us on our earthly journey and constantly nourishes us with his very life.

How best can we respond to this great love which God has shown us? We must respond with love. We love, because He first loved us (1 John 4:20). We cannot claim to love God without loving our neighbour. Hence, our response must be that of love for God and for neighbour. Let us be agents of salvation by being joyful in trials knowing full well that God loves us and is working everything for our good. If God did not spare His Son but gave Him up for us, what else will He withhold from us (cf Romans 8:32)? Hope in God and rest in his love today and always.

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, thank you for your great love for me. Please help me to cooperate with your saving power that I may live for you always. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 337 – How are we saved?

No man can save himself. Christians believe that they are saved by God, who for this purpose sent his Son Jesus Christ into the world. For us salvation means that we are freed by the Holy Spirit from the power of sin and have been brought back from the realm of death to a life without end, a life in God’s presence.

HIDE A TREASURE: “And now he can help those who are tempted, because he himself was tempted and suffered” Hebrews 2:18 GNB

Readings for Today: Hebrews 2:14-18; Psalm 105:1-4, 6-9; Mark 1:29-39