January 17, 2023
Each day, I reflect upon a word or a phrase inspired by the readings of the day. I encourage you to do the same and perhaps incorporate that word or phrase into your daily prayer.
We earnestly desire each of you to demonstrate the same eagerness for the fulfillment of hope until the end, so that you may not become sluggish, but imitators of those who, through faith and patience, are inheriting the promises. (Hebrews 6:10-20)
STAY THE COURSE: The reading today was intended as a pep talk for the Hebrews: Stay the course, your reward will come later.
Being a disciple of Jesus Christ can be challenging. The secular world offers a broad array of desirable things, tempting us to stray from what we know is right. If we succumb to temptation, we may receive immediate gratification, but it is temporary and does nothing to fill our hearts. Discipleship fills our hearts gradually and leads to eternal happiness. It is short-term empty promises versus a long-term inheritance.
The pep talk letter encouraged the Hebrews to stay the course; don’t allow the lack of immediate gratification to make them sluggish or steal their eagerness for the fulfillment of hope. They were reminded that their reward will come through faith and patience.
We may see others straying from what is right and holy; they may even appear to be enjoying “the good life.” We are encouraged, like the Hebrews, to stay the course – our reward will be great in heaven.
From the Deacon's Desk 