To the Ends of the Earth: Action – Week 10, Day 3 – Hope is the Fountain of Youth
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You have been born anew, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for
“All flesh is like grass
and all its glory like the flower of grass.
The grass withers, and the flower falls,
but the word of the Lord abides for ever.”
That word is the good news which was preached to you.
1 Peter 1:23–25
Human beings often believe that we matter much more than we do. Yet in comparison with our all-powerful, all-knowing, everlasting Father, we are a vapor that appears for a little while and then vanishes away (see Jas 4:14). In Jesus Christ, the Lamb led to slaughter to redeem us from our sins, we have been given new eyes to see our position as it really is. Kingdoms rise up and fade away. Men of power eventually come to nothing. The only true lasting legacies are those centered on the Gospel of love.
Because we have this eternal perspective, we are called to live without anxiety or worry, confident that God will give us all we need to reach heaven. Though our flesh is like the fading glory of a flower, in Christ we are now made of imperishable material — never to fade, destined for unity, glory, peace, and joy with God in heaven for all eternity.
Questions for reflection
Have you ever experienced just how small and fragile your life is compared to God? What was that like?
Does maintaining an eternal perspective on your life and legacy free you from worry? How?
How can you help a brother in Christ remember God’s eternal care in the face of his worries and concerns?
Praying with Scripture
LORD, let me know my end,
and what is the measure of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is! (Ps 39:4)
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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.
