Memorial of Saint Peter Claver, Priest

You once were alienated and hostile in mind because of evil deeds; God has now reconciled you in the fleshly Body of Christ through his death, to present you holy, without blemish, and irreproachable before him, provided that you persevere in the faith, firmly grounded, stable, and not shifting from the hope of the Gospel that you heard, which has been preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, am a minister.

We have all been reconciled with God through the Passion, Death, and Resurrection of Jesus and the best way to remain so is to look to the Life of Christ, the Way he lived, and the Truth he taught. When we model our lives upon his and persevere in our faith, we grow in holiness and become unblemished and irreproachable before our Heavenly Father. Our bodies, minds, and hearts become firmly grounded in God’s Will and able to withstand worldly temptations. When we lead the Christ-like life hope protects us against fears, doubts, sorrows, and other feelings that might weaken our resolve and instead of eroding our faith, it becomes tempered through trial and more resilient.

How are our lives modeled on Christ’s life? How can we become more grounded in God’s Will? What can we do to build up and strengthen our faith and hope in Jesus?

O Lord, help us to persevere in faith.

Amen.