“He resolutely
determined to journey to Jerusalem.” –Luke 9:51
They say if
you want something to happen, make it happen.
Jesus traveled
to Jerusalem knowing full well it was there that He would be put to death. He
also knew that His death and subsequent resurrection would fulfill His mission
of salvation, and He was determined to go to Jerusalem to make that happen.
What do we want
to make happen? Do we have spiritual goals? Do we ask God to guide us, and open
our hearts to what we sense Him showing us? Do we try to fill our part of the
world with love and peace while we work, or do we focus only on the material gains?
Do we use our time, our gifts, and our finances to benefit our neighbor, or
just ourselves? Are we determined to love and serve others even when it’s
inconvenient or expensive?
This isn’t only
about making big decisions like choosing a career path or spending hours
volunteering at a soup kitchen. It’s about making good things happen through
smaller choices like welcoming to the neighborhood the woman who wears a sari; doing
a favor for someone who can’t return the favor; or listening to understand –
and not condemn -- someone with a point of view that’s different from yours. It’s
about being persistent in loving and serving
our neighbor as ourselves (see Luke 10:27-37).
It takes determination
and sometimes courage to reach for spiritual goals. Listen to what our Lord may
be saying to you, especially when you need a little extra inspiration or
encouragement:
Let no one squelch the fire within
you.
Let no one smother the Spirit within
you.
Do not let the behavior of others
bring you down.
Do not close yourself up.
Don’t listen to the evil one who
tries to whisper doubts and accusations to you.
Do not listen to the voices that
accuse, ridicule, mock, or lie. These are small annoyances; My love is greater.
Focus on Me and listen only to My
Voice of Love.
Open your mind and your heart to the
people and circumstances around you.
Continue to do good, and strive to do
good in secret.
Your reward is in heaven. Don’t look
for rewards here.
Shake off the dust from your heart,
clear your mind of darkness, and strive to shine and share the light of My love
with your people, your acquaintances, and the individuals you encounter today.
“Lord, help me to persist in loving and serving
You in all people, especially when I find it difficult to do so.”
Thank you for reading my reflection. © 2022 Gina
Bedell
If you would like to
receive these reflections directly to your inbox, please email me at ginabedell1@gmail.com and I will add you to my ‘BCC’ email list.
Comments are always welcome! Feel free to share it
with your friends by clicking on one of the icons below. Thanks!
We continue to pray for an
end to the war. If you’d like to help the people of Ukraine through the
Cleveland Maidan Association, you may use either PayPal or a credit/debit
card here:
https://www.paypal.com/donate/...
No comments:
Post a Comment