Friday 8^th August – Memorial of St Dominic, Priest

Reflection: Matthew 16:24 – 28

LIVING FOR CHRIST

The Church is blessed with examples numerous saints who during their earthly sojourn looked beyond their comfort and the pleasures of this passing world and had their focus on eternity. They were totally detached from worldly gains and were firmly attached to Christ. They knew the truth that their real life was in Christ. (Philippians 1:21; Colossians 3:4).

Such examples lived to the fullest Jesus words in today’s Gospel reading: “If anyone wants to be a follower of mine, let him renounce himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Beloved, the standards of following Christ have not changed. Our fast changing world that has become highly secularized does not lower the standards Christ has set for following Him. Rather, it challenges us all the more to be different as Disciples of Christ Jesus.

Let us be ready to look beyond ourselves; beyond our own comfort, personal gain or interest. Let our minds be fixed on Heaven. Each day gives us a new opportunity to draw closer to our Master, to shed the weight of that sin which clings so easily (Hebrews 12: 1) and run all the more our race of righteousness. Today, renew your commitment to Jesus and ask Him for the needed grace to renounce yourself and follow Him always

PRAYER: Lord Jesus, help me to live for you. May the glamour of this passing world not cloud my vision of the glories of Heaven. Amen.

KNOW YOUR FAITH: YOUCAT 146 – What does the “communion of saints” mean?

The “communion of saints” is made up of all men who have placed their hope in Christ and belong to him through Baptism, whether they have already died or are still alive. Because in Christ we are one Body; we live in a communion that encompasses heaven and earth

HIDE A TREASURE: “If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget self, carry his cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24 GNB

Readings of Today: Nahum 2: 1, 3; 3:1-3, 6-7; Deuteronomy 32:35-36, 39, 41; Matthew 16:24-28