Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
The feast of the Apostles is a good time to reflect on some points:
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain” Philippians 1:21
A) They longed for Him: Each day the Apostles wished to be with the Lord.
“….that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with HIM” 1Thess.5:10
Let this desire, to be with the Lord, grow in you. Have it as your wish, longing for it every day, and asking for it. If you love someone, you cannot wait until you are with that person, and spend as much time as possible together, even if you are not talking for a long period of time. Just being around, and near, the Beloved is your satisfaction and joy.
B) They Lived Him: Our Fathers the Apostles lived each day as the Lord wanted them to live, guided by the Holy Spirit. For St. Paul, life is the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and nothing else. Everything in St. Paul’s life revolved around His Master and Savior.
Does everything in your life revolve around Him? Is He the center of your life, your ambitions, and even your dreams? If He is, may the Lord bless you more and more. If you are just starting on this path to live Him, grow more and more. If you did not start yet, ask Him to give you courage to begin from today, to live this way of life, to live Him.
C) They sacrificed their lives for Him: If I were asked to sacrifice my life for Him today, will I be able to? Will I even think of it?
My dear brother and sister: What do you consider a sacrifice for the Lord?
What are the things that you are holding on to, and do not want to let go?
We do not own anything on earth, irrespective of what we may possess, but most importantly is that we have Him. That is all that count. Ask Him to help you in sacrificing bit by bit, as you grow spiritually, and get closer to Him who sacrificed His life for us.
Pray that the Lord may help you long for Him, live Him, and sacrifice your life for Him.
May the blessings of the holy Apostles be with us all. Amen.
Pray for me.
Dr. George M. Bassaly
July 12, 2010
