Go For The Gold

September 17: Wednesday of Week 23 of Ordinary Time, Year A-II:

1 Corinthians 12:31-13:13; Psalm 33:2-3, 4-5, 12, 22; Luke 7:31-35

What is Jesus saying to us as stewards of his kingship? (To support Reaching Jesus... Step Five).

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“Strive eagerly for the greatest spiritual gifts” (1 Corinthians 12:31).

The Corinthians were so enthusiastic about the bubbles they weren’t tasting the champagne. Paul said, “You want to experience the new life of Christ? Concentrate on loving.”

The sad truth is, too many of us were taught to concentrate just on keeping laws. We weren’t “striving” for any “spiritual gifts,” much less “eagerly.” We didn’t even know what a “spiritual gift” was.

Do you? How many can you name? Which ones are you conscious of having? What are you “striving” for in your spiritual life?

Is this too challenging? Would you rather read something that makes you feel good, or something that helps you actually be good? Being is the only lasting source of feeling. Feelings that don’t arise from what you are fall into the category of “uppers.” There is such a thing as spiritual drug abuse.

Jesus said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends” (John 15:13). The best dying for others is living for others.

How? By letting Jesus live and act in you as Prophet, Priest and King. Bear witness as a “prophet” by your lifestyle. Minister to every person as a “priest in the Priest” by expressing love in every encounter. Take responsibility for transforming the Church and the world as a “steward” of Christ the King.

The name for this is love.

PRAY: “Lord, teach me to love.”

PRACTICE: Live to give.