December 28

Morning

I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. — Gal 2:20 BSB

When the Lord, in His mercy, passed by and saw us lying in our blood, His first word to us was, “Live!” He said this first because life is the foundation of everything in the spiritual realm. Until life is given, we are incapable of partaking in the blessings of the kingdom of God. The life that grace imparts to believers at the moment of their spiritual awakening is none other than the life of Christ. Like sap running from the vine to the branches, this life connects our souls to Jesus, establishing a living union.

Faith is the gift that perceives this union, flowing from it as its first fruit. Faith is like the neck that connects the body of the Church to its glorious Head, Christ. It lays hold of Jesus with a firm and unwavering grip, knowing His worth and refusing to place its trust anywhere else.

Jesus, delighted with this heavenly grace, never ceases to strengthen and sustain it. He holds faith with the loving embrace and all-sufficient support of His eternal arms. In this way, a living, joyful, and meaningful union is established, one that overflows with streams of love, trust, and joy. This union is a source of delight to both the Bride (the Church) and the Bridegroom (Christ). When the soul clearly perceives its oneness with Christ, it can feel the pulse of shared life, as if the same blood flows through both. In this state, the heart is as near to heaven as it can be while still on earth, ready to enjoy the most sublime fellowship.

Evening

Do not assume that I have come to bring peace to the earth; I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. — Matt 10:34 BSB

A Christian will undoubtedly make enemies. Though their aim is not to make any, doing what is right and believing the truth may cost them every earthly friend. But losing these is no great loss because the great Friend in heaven will draw even nearer and reveal Himself more graciously than ever. Do you, who have taken up the cross, understand what your Master said? “I have come to turn a man against his father, a daughter against her mother; a man’s enemies will be the members of his own household.”

Christ is the great Peacemaker, but before peace can come, there must be conflict. Where light shines, darkness must flee. Where truth is, falsehood cannot remain. If the two exist together, there will be a fierce battle, for truth will not lower its standard, and lies will be trampled underfoot. If you follow Christ, expect the world to rise up against you. The world will not speak well of you if you live for Christ and walk in the light of His truth. Those who have the friendship of the world are at odds with God. But if you remain true to God, the world will despise your unwavering faith, for it stands as a witness against its iniquity.

Do what is right, regardless of the consequences. You will need the courage of a lion to walk a path that may turn your closest friends into your fiercest enemies. But for the love of Jesus, you must be brave. To stand for truth and risk your reputation and relationships is an act of moral courage that only the Spirit of God can work within you. Don’t turn back like a coward. Be bold and follow your Master with strength, for He has already walked this difficult path before you. Better a short-lived struggle followed by eternal rest, than false peace that leads to everlasting sorrow.