By Letitia M. Peyton

 

 

Consider your own call, brothers and sisters: not many of you were wise by human standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth.  But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise;
God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:26-27

A Holy City Gone Astray

In Scripture, we find that the sins of men have not changed through time. Zephaniah was chosen to deliver a message to Israel which had become a rebellious and defiled nation. Zephaniah condemns Jerusalem for its prideful, oppressive, and rebellious behavior. A century before Zephaniah, the prophet Hosea had been sent to correct the same people. In Hosea chapter 4:1-3, we read that “There is no faithfulness or kindness, and no knowledge of God in the land; there is swearing, lying, killing, stealing, and committing adultery; they break all bounds and murder follows murder. Therefore, the land mourns, and all who dwell in it languish” This sounds alarmingly like our times. In my opinion, we have perfected sin through our modern means of communication and travel. Our nation was founded upon Christian principles, and yet, we are a nation that is becoming increasingly prideful, oppressive, and rebellious against our God. In his loving mercy, God chose ordinary people throughout history to warn people of his anger and impending wrath unless they would change their ways.

Consider Your Calling

We read about the prophets and the saints who came before us and think, “But that was their calling,” so we move on, wondering what we are called to do in life. We often let our feelings get in the way of our calling. We forget that their lives are to be imitated by us, meaning we may have the same calling but at a different time, just as Hosea, Zephaniah, and St. Paul. The truth is that every day of our lives, we are called to preach the Gospel, but we feel that we are not ready or equipped like someone else who seems to be more educated in the knowledge of our faith or bolder or even holier than we are. 1 Cor 1:26-27 is asking us to Consider our own calling that not many of us are wise by human standards, powerful or of noble birth, but that God has chosen these same or weak people to shame the wise and strong. All God needs is our acceptance of his call.

Aligning Our Will

Be the Peacemaker. Jesus said the peacemakers would be blessed and be called sons of God. Unfortunately, our nation is becoming increasingly sick with sin. We cannot continue to tolerate the shedding of innocent blood through abortion, the sin of adultery, and the sexual abuse and body mutilation of our children. Our time in history is very much like that of the prophets in Scripture. God is asking us to return to him and become a holy nation again. We only must respond with the grace and truth given to us by Jesus Christ with love and faithfulness. Aligning our will with God’s will, with pure intentions, will most likely cause alienation and suffering to come to us, but the reward of being saved and enjoying the Beatific Vision will be Heaven.  

 

Prayer

Taken from the Prayer of Renewal from Pope Francis:
Lord, I have let myself be deceived; in a thousand ways, I have shunned your love, yet here I am once more to renew my covenant with you. Save me once again, Lord, take me once more into your redeeming embrace. I desire to align my will with your will Lord. Amen

 

Call to Action

Read the warnings of Our Lady of Fatima and Our Lady of Good Success. Ask God to show you where to take action to protect children and families and be bold in God’s will.

 

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