What is the temperature of the flame in your life – is the incredible gift of God so strong and fervent that those around you cannot help but notice? As I consider my life, I must confess that I cannot always answer that question positively. Todays readings provide strong advice for each of us in our individual sanctification journey.
Timothy and Titus were young men who had given their lives to Jesus. They were living in a world that had not grasped who Jesus really was and they were facing many challenges to their faith. That environment sounds very similar to what we face each day of our lives. In our first reading from 2 Timothy, Paul is reaching out to young Timothy to empower him to stand firm as the man that God had created him to be. Paul lets him know that he is constantly holding Timothy up in prayer. We have no doubt of the power in that statement, not only for empowering Timothy, but also to remind us of our obligation to pray continually. Prayer truly does make a difference – something that we can so easily forget in our rush to meet all the obligations we face each day. The flame of our faith must be rekindled through constant communication with our Savior.
Paul then goes on to remind Timothy of the sincere faith that Timothy experienced through his grandmother Lois and his mother Eunice. The power and impact of their faith stood as a strong reminder to Timothy to stand firm – to avoid a spirit of cowardness – to never be ashamed of his testimony. Paul’s advice was focused on taking hold of the power, love, and self-control available through faith. That thought seems like the exact message I need to be reminded of through every moment of my life. Paul knew that Timothy (as well as each of us today) would experience endless challenges to his faith. He knew that there would be many false teachers seeking to distort and destroy God’s truth working through Timothy’s life. Paul’s letters to both Timothy and Titus were written to encourage them to never lose the bright flame of proclaiming the true gift of God.
It is equally relevant for us today to recognize that both Timothy and Titus were young men, relatively new in their faith. Yet God chose these young, inexperienced men for important tasks for the growing church. For what then has God chosen each of us? Do our lives really point to Jesus? It is so easy for us to find excuses for our dwindling fire. To think we are not qualified or that it is not our responsibility to make a difference. But Paul reminds us that it really is God’s intent to use each of us for His purpose. It is indeed our responsibility to be visibly “on fire” for our Lord, to make a difference. His joy must flow through us every moment. It should always be unmistakable evident that our Savior is at work in our lives. The Responsorial Psalm 96 offers incredible advice on how to maintain that focus, that fire. We must live in the reality of God’s marvelous deeds, the miracles He has performed and continues performing all around us each and every day. Our lives must remind the world of who our might God really is, that He is firmly in total control.
In today’s Gospel from Mark, Jesus responds to the world’s attempt to denounce Him. He simply turned their argument on its head. The world’s false teachings stand no chance of overpowering the Truth we find from Jesus and His Holy Word. Today’s readings reminds us to remain alert, to stand firm against the lies and persecution we will be facing throughout our lives. It is imperative that we remain bold and confident as we seek to become the man or woman that God created us to be.
Dear Heavenly Father, help us to never lose sight of who you are and your countless wonderous deeds that we experience every moment of our lives. Help us to live a life that has obviously been touched by you. Stir in us the flame of your love and purpose. In the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ. Amen
Larry Hopp
As I enter my second retirement, I can only express my deep appreciation to God for the opportunity to touch the lives of the amazing students here at Creighton. After 40 years as a civil engineer in the construction industry, I felt that I had completed my life’s work. God, however had a different plan – a MUCH BETTER plan. He opened a door to Creighton University and its Energy Technology Program which I would never have imagined. An opportunity to teach and lead a program that has proven to be some of the most rewarding and satisfying work of my life.
That process has only further refined my total trust & faith in following God and seeking Jesus with all my heart. His plans are always so much better than anything I could have ever imagined.
But of course work could never be the top priority of my life. Over the years, I have been engaged with a truly amazing church with an un-apologetic commitment to Jesus that has changed my life and future forever. My wife Linda and I have four children, 4 grandchildren and 5 foster “grandchildren” that have all been such a daily blessing in so many ways.
I am looking forward to see what God has in mind for this next stage of my life.
It is not surprising that God provides these reflection opportunities with the precise readings that I need to hear at that specific time. Spending time in prayer as I write & rewrite each Daily Reflection opportunity is truly a blessing. My prayer is that God can use these thoughts to bless you as well.
