4 May 2024 - Only By Grace Reflections

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TOPIC: DO WE SEEK TO PLEASE GOD IN ALL OUR THOUGHTS, ACTIONS, AND RELATIONSHIPS?
 
First Reading: Acts 16: 1-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalms 100: 2, 3, 5
Alleluia: Colossians 3: 1
Gospel: John 15: 18-21

What does Jesus mean when he says "you are not of this world"?  The "world" in scripture refers to that society of people who are hostile towards God and opposed to his will.  The "world" rejected Jesus and his disciples can expect the same treatment. Jesus leaves no middle ground for his followers. We are either for him or against him, for his kingdom of light or for the kingdom of darkness. The prophet Isaiah warned that humans separated from God by sin and spiritual darkness would end up calling evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20). 

How then can we rightly distinguish good from evil? The love of God draws us to all that is lovely, true and good.  If we truly love God, then we will submit to his truth and will for our lives.  A friend of God cannot expect to be a friend of the world. Jesus' demand is unequivocal and without compromise. Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in him (1 John 2:15).

We must make a choice either for or against God. Do you seek to please God in all your thoughts, actions, and relationships? Let the Holy Spirit inflame your heart with the love of God.

This is the 1468th 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 REFLECTIONS]

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