15 February 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

TOPIC: WHAT IS OUR RESPONSE TO PAIN AND SUFFERING?

First Reading: Deuteronomy 30: 15-20
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 1: 1-2, 3, 4 and 6
Verse Before the Gospel: Matthew 4: 17
Gospel: Luke 9: 22-25

The way to discipleship is never easy. To deny ourselves is to die to our selfishness, pride and evil tendencies. We lose our life if we give up a worldly and pleasure-centered life to follow the Lord. What do we gain? Fullness of life, inner freedom and joy. Such is the liberating power of obedience to God and His commandments. Every time we choose God, it is a step toward our final destiny in eternity. The consequence of making this choice for God is emphasized in our first reading in the Book of Deuteronomy where Moses said: “Today I have set before you life and death, the blessing and the curse. Choose life, then, that you and your descendants may live, by loving the Lord, your God, heeding His voice, holding fast to Him”.

My dear brothers and sisters, following the Lord is never easy. But the choices we make to listen and obey Him will lead us to live a life in love and in hope. And we end with the beautiful encouragement that comes from our Psalm for today: “Blessed are they who hope in the Lord.”

This is the 1389th installment of our CFC contemplation series focusing on the daily liturgical readings.

[NOTE: As we continue to pray for Bro Bong Arjonillo’s healing and recovery, let us listen to our brother Rouquel Ponte, a member of the CFC Board of Elders, as he brings us today's reflection.

All the regular reflections are between 3-7 minutes long, enough time for us to ponder what God's message is for us individually and to pray that we may live them out in our lives. This video is also available on Couples for Christ’s Facebook