For the love of Christ urges us on, because we are convinced that one has died for all; therefore all have died. 15 And he died for all, so that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died and was raised for them. 16 From now on, therefore, we regard no one from a human point of view;[a] even though we once knew Christ from a human point of view,[b] we know him no longer in that way. 17 So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new!- 2 Corinthians 5:14-17 NRSV
Christ Died For You And Me
The optional first reading from today’s Mass is immensely powerful. We see much in the passage about what Christ has done for us and in treatment of others. First and foremost St. Paul reiterates that Christ died for all. When I think of the second person of the Blessed Trinity taking on human flesh and dying for me I am brought to tears.
What did I do to deserve such a thing? The answer is quite simple. I did nothing. Likewise those around us also did nothing. It was the ultimate act of love because our Lord wants us with him for eternity.
We Have A Choice
Our Lord died for us, but have the choice on whether to follow or not. St. Paul tells us in today’s passage that those who are in Christ are a new creation. Our sinful selves are gone and we are now part of Christ. The question is will we remain with Christ? Everyday it is a decision we need to make. Will we follow Christ or follow something else. We will all mess up at some point, if you are like me it will be daily. Grace is greater that our failings. Make the decision to follow Christ daily. Renew your commitment everyday and frequent the sacraments as often as possible (I know it is difficult right now).
Another choice we have to make is how we treat others. Remember that Christ died for all, but are we treating everyone like they are created in the image of God? This is something to reflect on. Perhaps someone hurt you in the past and you encounter them at Mass. Or maybe you hurt someone else. Will you withhold the grace to them that our Lord shed on us? St. Paul is challenging us to see them from the point of view of Christ. In today’s world we need to do a better job of this in my opinion. Pray, reflect, forgive as you have been forgiven.
Saint Quotes
‘That your enemies have been created is God’s doing; that they hate you and wish to ruin you is their own doing. What should you say about them in your mind? “Lord be merciful to them, forgive them their sins, put the fear of God in them, change them!” You are loving in them not what they are, but what you would have them to become.’-St. Augustine
‘Remembrance of Jesus’ passion will heal your soul of resentment, by making it ashamed of itself when it remembers the patience of the Lord. Some people have wearied themselves and suffered for a long time in order to extract forgiveness. By far the best course, however, is to forget the offences, since the Lord says: “Forgive at once and you will be forgiven in generous measure”.-St. John Climacus
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