Carrying a torch for Jesus

Good News ReflectionFriday of the 21st Week in Ordinary TimeAugust 28, 2009
Today's Memorial: Saint AugustinePray for those who are stubborn in their rejection of Christ:http://wordbytes.org/saints/DailyPrayers/Augustine.htm
Today's Readings:1 Thes 4:1-8Ps 97:1, 2b, 5-6, 10-12Matt 25:1-13http://www.usccb.org/nab/082809.shtmlUSCCB Podcast of the Readings:http://ccc.usccb.org/cccradio/NABPodcasts/09_08_28.mp3
Carrying a torch for Jesus
Are you carrying a torch for Jesus? Today's Gospel reading reminds me of the modern-day metaphor for a special love relationship. To carry a torch for a friend means that we've got a warm spot in our heart for him or her, and we won't let it dim. It's like the Olympic torch that's carried by runners around the world until it's used to light up the opening ceremonies of the games; we'll run anywhere and for as long as necessary for the one we love.
Do you have this kind of love for Jesus? If you do, then what's the fuel that lights your torch? And what keeps your torch from running out of this fuel?
Perhaps your torch is lit by your prayer life and you keep it lit by taking time every day to quietly connect with God. Or maybe it's the suffering you've endured for the sake of unconditionally loving someone who doesn't love you back, and you've offered your heart-breaks to Jesus as a sacrifice that unites you to his cross. Or it's the joy of using your gifts and talents in the Church. Or it's all of the above and more.
We're like the foolish bridesmaids if we do little more than pick up our torch and run without taking into consideration that a seemingly short sprint might become a long marathon. We need to stock up.
What fuels your love for Jesus when you get tired? Or when you get discouraged and feel hurt and disappointed? Or when your patience burns out? We can't make it through one single day without losing at least some of our holiness and spiritual strength! What makes us think that we don't need to start each day in prayer asking for supernatural help?
We cannot endure a problem or a challenging task very long if we neglect to charge up our spirits with the hope and guidance that's available in God's Word. We can't win the daily struggles against temptation if we're not fortifying our resolve by studying the teachings of the Church with the insight-providing help of the Holy Spirit.
As Jesus points out in the parable, the Master cannot recognize us (i.e., we don't look like we belong to him) if we're claiming to be Christian but we're buzzing through life doing whatever feels good and looks good. True Christian living requires major effort – and sometimes it's unpleasant! When we're not forcing ourselves to move ahead in holiness, we slip into sin. There's no such thing as standing still. Either we're pushing ourselves forward in spiritual growth or we're swept backward by the winds of the world and we're pushed backward by demons who take advantage of our laziness.
Reading this reflection has given you some fuel. What else will you do today to add fuel to the fire of your love for Jesus?
© 2009 by Terry A. ModicaFor PERMISSION to copy any of my reflections, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections/copyrights-DR.htm
Seeking a past reflection?Click this button to register for the searchable Archive Library of the Good News Reflections. One week access is free as a special gift to subscribers of these emailed reflections.
WAS THIS FORWARDED TO YOU BY A FRIEND?To sign up for your own subscription, go to:http://gogoodnews.net/DailyReflections
Why do I need you as a partner in my daily ministry?Please help with a donation, including non-financial support. Good News Ministries affects countless lives around the world, including in countries where people have no Catholic Mass and where Christianity is persecuted. continue... Join the cause on facebook and help spread the message!
Note: Good News Ministries is a non-profit organization that accepts donations as support for its ministries but does not charge for anything. Catholic Digital Resources™ is Terry Modica's publishing house providing professional writing services; the income from this will eventually support the future growth and projects of Good News Ministries. Please spread the word; tell your DRE, RCIA Director, pastor, etc. about what's available for parishes at Catholic Digital Resources™.
______________________________________________________________This is the "Good News Reflections - Early Edition" mailing list.MANAGE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION:Change your addressUnsubscribe