"Brothers, I do not think of myself as having reached the finish line. I give no thought to what lies behind but push on to what is ahead. My entire attention is on the finish line as I run toward the prize to which God calls me - life on high in Christ Jesus. All of us who are spiritually mature must have this attitude."
Philippians 3: 13- 15
For Reflection:
What is the "finish line" according to St. Paul? How does he exhibit hope in achieving it? Am I spiritually mature by St. Paul's definition? Read tomorrow's Grace Line to see how we can come to "full stature in Christ Jesus."
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"If our hopes in Christ are limited to this life only, we are the most pitiable of men."
I Cor. 15:19
For Reflection:
Hope is the theological virtue that directs us toward eternal life. Why do you think seeking Christ only for temporal needs make us "pitiable?"
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"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose hope is the Lord. He is like a tree planted beside the water that stretches out its roots to the stream: It fears not the heat when it comes, its leaves stay green; in the year of the drought it shows no distress, but still bears fruit."
Jeremiah 17: 7- 8
For Reflection:
What are the benefits to placing our trust in God? Paraphrase the Scripture passage above to reflect your insights and write it in your journal so you will have it there when needed.
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"Consider seriously how quickly people change, and how little trust is to be had in them; and hold fast to God, who does not change."
St. Teresa of Avila
For Reflection:
Many people today place their hope in pop psychology and self-help books. While good counsel is always beneficial in a time of need, it must be counsel that is rooted in Christ. See tomorrow's Grace Line to find out why.
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"The most beautiful Credo is the one we pronounce in our hour of darkness."
St. Pio of Pietrelcina
For Reflection:
How does our Credo pronounced in an hour of darkness attach us to the Cross of Christ? How does this make it beautiful?
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"All things upon which you set your trust are yours. Do but expect much of God, and He will do much for you. Expect but little, and He will do little."
St. Bernard
For Reflection:
What is the word of wisdom that St. Bernard offers us in this quote? How does this correspond to these words from St. James, "You do not obtain because you do not ask?" Read James 4: 1-10 to discover what attitude of heart should accompany our request of God.
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"The heart of God invited all to put it to the proof. The more He gives, the more He desires to give. He loves to see the trust that makes us persist in knocking unceasingly."
Blessed Placid Riccardi
For Reflection:
Trust in God yields hope. Hope in God yields confidence. Confidence in God yields assurance that He will meet our every need. Read Matthew 7: 7-11. How does Blessed Placid's quote reflect the wisdom of Scripture?
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"God is not a deceiver that he should offer to support us, and then, when we lean upon Him, should slip away from us."
St. Augustine
For Reflection:
Sometimes God is not readily apparent in our need, so we fear that He is not with us and we place no hope in Him. However, the fact may be that we are not looking for Him hidden in the wrappings of our suffering. Dare we look, we will find Him attentive to our need, patiently providing every grace we need. He desires only that we search and find that He is there and His grace is sufficient. Am I willing to do this today?
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"No test has overtaken you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and He will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing He will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it."
1 Corinthians 10:13
For Reflection:
What virtues have I acquired in times of suffering? How have they provided a "way out" so that I was able to endure?
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"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare not for woe, to give you a future and a hope."
Jeremiah 29:11
For Reflection:
How have I seen this come true in my own life, especially after a time of sorrow and suffering? What does this tell us about God?
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