Sunday Reflection (March 13, 2022)

The traditional Lenten discipline of self-denial is a spiritual response to our self-indulgences and lashing out at others. No, our devotion will not save us:  Only God can do that, but it does assist us in becoming more aware of how self-indulgent we can be, and how our self-indulgence prevents us from being faithful to others, especially the poor and vulnerable. It also causes us to examine how we strive against others to get ahead or get even.

The life of the Apostle Paul was shaped by the kingdom of heaven revealed in the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Does your heavenly citizenship shape your life? Is your commitment to a heavenly “citizenship” one among many? Or is it the one that directs your other commitments? Remember, we, Christ’s Church, are a colony of heaven upon earth, but we can be “so heavenly minded we are no earthly good.” May our “heavenly citizenship” lead us to make the world a better place while we are here (Philippians 3:17-4:1).