Matthew 23: 1-12 (Saturday, August 25, 2007)

Today’s gospel invites us to be humble. As a minister of the word, I feel strongly challenged by it to look into myself and be sure that I live the message that I preach. Christianity is not a religion of the lips, but it is a religion of the heart. I cannot just talk the talk, I must walk the walk. The gospel for which I preach must challenge me to be a better Christian. We must always look at our leadership positions not as those of authority to Lord it over others, but we must be at the service of others. Jesus Christ was an example of a servant leader – he washed the feet of his disciples. Every Christian is called to wash the feet of others. To be at the service of those in need. Whatever you are: doctor, nurse, lawyer, teacher, priest, religious, farmer, banker, realtor, etc. look at your work as God’s opportunity for you to serve others. Do not look down on others because of your position or position your career just only from the perspective of making more money. You must be that Christian example in the work you do.

Prayer:
Lord Jesus, help us to bring you to our work, that we might be a shinning example of the servant leader.

Matthew 19: 20-23 (Tuesday, August 21, 2007)

Who then can be saved? Anyone who has made Jesus Christ the central part of his or her life. Jesus’ promise to his followers is that anyone who follows him would be saved. Sometimes we put our hearts so much on the earthly rewards that do not endure. So often people have told me how dumb I am that I chose a vocation to the priesthood rather than a career in the sciences where I will make money. People who think like this are thinking in worldly terms. I know that there is something beyond the world and that is my aspiration. It is more rewarding for me to build riches that would endure forever than those that are temporal. While everyone is not called to become a priest or religious, we are all called to give completely of our lives to God in our different professions. This means that you must bring your Christian values to whatever you do and be that difference.

Prayer:
Lord, help us to be the Christian difference in our different professions. Make out a way that we might truly live our Christian vocation in our place of work and become that difference you have called us to.