15 July 2023 - Only By Grace Reflections

First Reading: Genesis 49: 29-32; 50: 15-26a
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 105: 1-2, 3-4, 6-7
Alleluia: First Peter 4: 14
Gospel: Matthew 10: 24-33

The fear of the Lord is the antidote to the fear of losing one’s life.
I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears. (Psalm 34:4). The fear of the Lord is the reverence for Him who made us in love, and who sustains us in mercy and kindness. It leads us to spiritual maturity, wisdom and right judgment. Do we trust in God’s grace and mercy and submit to His word?

When Jesus proclaimed the kingdom of God, he met opposition and hostility.  He tells his disciples that they must expect the same treatment if they are to live and to proclaim the reign of God.  There is both a warning and a privilege in His statement. Just as Jesus had to carry his cross, so the disciples must carry their cross and not try to evade it.  To suffer for the faith is to share in the work of Christ.  As one hymn states: Lift high the Cross of Christ!  Tread where his feet have trod.  The Holy Spirit gives us power and grace to live as disciples of Jesus Christ. Do you trust in God’s grace to carry your cross for Jesus’ sake?

This is the 1188th 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 Solphie Confiado 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 page. In You Tube, just type ONLY BY GRACE