But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with him. For we know that Christ being raised from the dead will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves [as being] dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.
Romans 6:8–11
The promise of heaven remains before our eyes, a beacon of hope that calls us ever forward on our journey of faith. Our salvation is not a “once-and-done” deal, but a daily call for each of us to live out the promises of our baptism, and to accept Christ’s saving work on the cross. As we make this daily commitment, we keep our eyes fixed on the promise of heaven. Jesus calls us to be perfect as his heavenly Father is perfect (Mt 5:48), and this can seem impossible. But because we have been made a new creation by the cross of Christ, it is indeed possible for us, and not just possible, but a requirement. We can strive for perfection because we have been graced by Perfection himself.
When we ask, we receive; when we seek, we find; when we knock, the door is opened (Mt 7:7). Striving to become perfect, then, requires that we ask daily for the grace we need to live according to this calling. We live out our salvation every day as we conform our will to our Savior’s. On the Last Day, we have our Lord’s promise that he will reward those who have persevered.
Questions for Reflection
Do you consider your salvation an ongoing journey of faith or a once-and-done deal?
Do you believe it’s possible for you to be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect? Why or why not? Why do you think Christ asks this of us?
Praying with Scripture
But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. (Mt 6:33)
You can learn more about the To the Ends of the Earth Series HERE
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Mark C. McCann is an author and Ministry Consultant with more than 30 years of writing and ministry experience. He has published articles for a number of Catholic magazines and websites including St. Anthony Messenger, Emmanuel Magazine, Liguorian Magazine, Catholic Stand, the Connecticut Catholic Men's Conference, and Homiletic and Pastoral Review. He recently published the 4-volume Catholic men's devotional, To the Ends of the Earth, as well as the 2021 Advent Daybreaks devotional and 2022 Lenten Daybreaks devotional with Liguori Publishing. He has also released his End Times novel series, Jacob's Dream: The Vision and Jacob's Dream: The Final Battle. He was a radio host and producer for 8 years at a Connecticut Christian radio station and has worked as a Catholic religion teacher/campus minister and a parish youth minister. He has also served the Norwich, CT Diocese as a Youth Ministry Director and Family Life Director. He currently lives in Connecticut with his Proverbs 31 wife, where together they have brought up three incredible children. He strives each day to live out his call to be a man of words. You can learn more about Mark and his writing at www.wordsnvisions.com.
