"you are about to die" (is 38:1)
"They were deeply distressed to hear that they would never see his face again." —Acts 20:38
St. Paul knows he is about to die. He is not concerned with himself. He had long ago repented of all sin and abandoned himself into God's loving hands. Paul is concerned that his followers remain grounded in the truth. He wants them to guard themselves and others against those savage wolves who will try to lead his flock astray with false teaching after he dies (Acts 20:28-30).
Jesus is about to die. He is not concerned with Himself, having daily abandoned Himself into His Father's loving hands. Jesus is concerned that His followers remain grounded in the truth (Jn 17:17, 19). He wants His followers to guard themselves and others (Jn 17:12, 15) against those savage wolves who will try to lead His flock astray with false teaching after He dies (Jn 10:5, 8, 12).
What would be your reaction if the Lord prophesied to you: "Put your house in order, for you are about to die" (Is 38:1). What would you be concerned about? Would your mind be focused on yourself? Or would you immediately be occupied with your loved ones and those to whom you have ministered the good news of Jesus by word and deed? Would you be concerned that they would remain in the truth and be able to stand strong in faith?
Put your life immediately in the hands of God. Repent! Ask Jesus to give you a shepherd's heart (1 Pt 5:2). Feed God's sheep (Jn 21:17) and lead them to Jesus.
Prayer: Father, like St. Timothy, may our hearts be occupied with what pleases Jesus rather than pleasing ourselves (Phil 2:19-21).
Promise: "He gives power and strength to His people." —Ps 68:36
Praise: For years, Jane has lovingly cared for her mentally retarded adult son, always conscious that Jesus lives in him.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
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Rescript: †Reverend Joseph R. Binzer, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, October 9, 2009
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