To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Week 3, Day 1 – We Often Complicate What is Very Simple and Fail to Act in God's Way
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In him, according to the purpose of him who accomplishes all things according to the counsel of his will, we who first hoped in Christ have been destined and appointed to live for the praise of his glory. In him you also, who have heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and have believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.
Ephesians 1:11–14
There is a temptation to treat our Catholic Faith like a membership in an elite, private club. While we certainly do share in the abundant riches that come with membership in the Church, we are far from privileged associates in an organization that cannot live without us. God does not exist to meet our needs; rather, we exist to reflect God’s glory.
Every day we should be sharing our faith with gratitude and joy that knows no bounds. We were sinners bound for hell, undeserving of any privilege, unworthy of God’s love, yet he has given us salvation, sonship, and a secure place in his kingdom, where we are called to live for his praise and glory. That knowledge should have us cheering in the streets, or at least sitting up and joyfully praising our Savior each Sunday at Mass. If we have been given the first installment of a greater glory to come, how can we fail to share that glory with the whole world?
Questions for Reflection
Do you recognize that your position in Christ is an underserved gift? How are you tempted to view it as a privilege?
Where can you bring a greater attitude of thanksgiving into your prayer?
How are you sharing with those around you the joy you have in being a member of the Body of Christ?
Praying with Scripture
He who brings thanksgiving as his sacrifice honors me;
to him who orders his way aright I will show the salvation of God! (Ps 50:23)
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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.
