Fight the Good Fight

Thérèse of Lisieux has a quote that says, "Jesus does not demand great actions from us but simply surrender and gratitude." Surrender to the reality of your circumstances. For me, that's surrendering to the daily realities of what it means to try love my wife and serve our five children; and surrendering to the demands of my job. But, surrender is not enough. One can surrender begrudgingly. But, to surrender with JOY and GRATITUDE is altogether different. To be grateful for the many blessings in my life changes my entire mindset and how I approach my daily responsibilities. It makes me realize that some things that feel like 'burdens' in the moment are actually the culmination of God's blessings and promises in my life. Don't turn a blessing into a burden by failing to be grateful.

Brothers, Good Friday isn’t just about what Jesus has done for us. It is about how we RECEIVE what he has done for us, and how we IMITATE his example of sacrificial love. Are we picking up the towel and water basin to wash the feet of our wives & children? Are we laying down our lives in a thousand small sacrifices to help get our families and our brothers to heaven? When you see Jesus on the cross today, or you kiss the cross at a Good Friday service, picture yourself on the cross. Ask Jesus for the grace to lay down your life so that others will come to know his love.