To the Ends of the Earth: Character – Week 1, Day 5 - A Cultivator Turns His Gaze Toward Heaven
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“Ho, every one who thirsts,
come to the waters;
and he who has no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without price.
Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread,
and your labor for that which does not satisfy?
Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good,
and delight yourselves in rich food.”
Isaiah 55:1–2
As the rains water and renew the thirsty soil, so the word goes forth from the mouth of God to bring abundant refreshment to all thirsting souls (Is 55:10-11). Jesus invites us to receive from him not only what will meet our needs, but what will bring us eternal satisfaction. The abundant, life-giving water that Christ gives has no cost. It has been paid for by his sacrifice on the cross. He gives it freely, without measure to all those who come seeking it.
As men who have received this wonderful blessing, how can we hold back from offering this same invitation to those who still have not taken it? We who have freely received are called to freely give (Mt 10:8). Our witness should reflect the joy that we have experienced, not only in being saved from sin, but in receiving the riches of heaven and the delights of eternal life.
Questions for reflection
How has God’s word and his call to come to him produced a satisfying harvest in your life?
How can you convey to others the value of this free gift of God? How does it compare with what the world has to offer?
In what ways can you develop a greater urgency to call others to come and receive what Christ has to offer?
Praying with Scripture
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” (Mt 5:6)
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.
