I love today’s reading from Hebrews 10. The Sacred Author gives us some great advice. More on that in a moment. We get some scary words from Jesus today in our Gospel reading from Mark 4. “The measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.” Yowza! You mean that we will be held to the same standard that we hold others to? I guess that leaves us with two choices…lower our standards for others, or raise our own standards. Perhaps both would be good, huh?
Listen to these great pieces of advice from Hebrews 10…”Let us approach [God] with a sincere heart and absolute trust…” “Let us hold unwaveringly to our confession that gives us hope, for he who made the promise it trustworthy.” and “We must consider how to rouse one another to love and good works.” I love that kind of talk! Notice the use of the imperative there. We MUST consider how to rouse one another to love and good works. Have you given that any consideration lately? Let it begin with yourself, and then go out to others.
So, let’s work on this project, shall we? How can we rouse one another to love and good works? First, by living out that example. I am always attracted to emulate those living a life of service themselves. So, step one – live it. Step two – INVITE. This is often the hardest part for Catholics. We must invite others to receive the blessings that we are experiencing. There is a subtle difference between asking and inviting. Think of it as a great party! Wouldn’t you like to invite your friends to enjoy it with you? Just remember to make the invitation enthusiastically! Then you will surely rouse them to love and good works!
Father, we thank you for allowing us to participate in the blessings of a life in Christ. May we invite others to join us today, rousing them to love and good works. Amen.
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