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3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By his great mercy he has given us a new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, 5 who are being protected by the power of God through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you rejoice, even if now for a little while you have to suffer various trials, 7 so that the genuineness of your faith-being more precious than gold that, though perishable, is tested by fire-may be found to result in praise and glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.

 

When I think of faith, I don’t like to think of all the sufferings that was done on the world’s behalf by our Lord Jesus Christ. It makes me uncomfortable, tearful and humbled by the great love that was shown for us. In addition, when learning about the early church and all the apostles and martyrs who died because of their faith, it is heart wrenching that I benefit from the faith of so many. It indeed makes one pause to reflect on the joy of the love shown by God the Father by giving us his son, Jesus. It also is quite remarkable that God put men and women available to receive the Word in the early church. How incredible what these people went through in their lives to be able to spread the gospel.

 

The fire in the reading mentioned means literally burned to death. Christians were tortured, crucified, burned to death, stoned, and torn apart by wild animals. These were not events for entertainment, although, these events were used as such. How greatly people suffered. How greatly Christians continue to suffer in different parts of the world and how little we hear of it.

 

On a more joyful note, we are the recipients of the trials and tribulations of all those early Christians and their success in spreading the gospel. They felt joy and we are able to feel joy without all the physical sufferings inflicted on us by others. How do we share this joy? We have opportunities all around us to share the joy of our Christian faith.

 

Very soon we will be celebrating Thanksgiving, Christmas, the New Year, and Epiphany. These are joyful religious and secular events that we have the opportunity to share with our family and friends. May we reach out to others in the community who may be alone or need a place to belong. There will always be suffering and sadness in the world. It is important for us to spread the joy that comes through our faith in the ever-loving God through Jesus Christ.

 

Let us pray-Dear Lord, Be near us during the upcoming holidays, show us opportunities to share your divine message of love. Amen

 

Cindy Dougherty

beachspch@aol.com

 

Alternative readings-Zechariah 11:1-17, Psalm 46

 

Prayer concern-Pray for those who have no faith or hope that they may receive the joy of Christ.