Daily Reflection — Living What We Believe

by Deacon Michael Bickerstaff | November 20, 2014 6:30 am

[1]“Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.” (Diaconal Ordination Rite)

The key to a joyful life is to be authentic. Authenticity simply means being and living as the person God designed you to be. There is no other way to find joy. From our earliest years, we are taught that God made each one of us to know, love and serve Him in this life and to spend all eternity with Him in peace and joy in the life to come. This calling is our very dignity as human persons. So simple!

But you and I both know that living in this fallen world brings challenges and temptations. Yet these are nothing more than opportunities to love God, who alone can fill us.

During the ordination rite for deacons, the bishop presents a Book of Gospels to each man he ordains and commissions him saying, “Receive the Gospel of Christ whose herald you are. Believe what you read, teach what you believe, and practice what you teach.”

This commission has meaning for everyone. We are to repent—turn from sin and toward God—and believe the Word of God, spending time with Him, allowing the Divine Word to powerfully transform our lives. Then we are equipped to share the Gospel with others and live it.  Doing so not only brings joy, we become effective representatives of the Lord in this world.

This is what we are made for. Surrender to Christ. Live authentically. Rejoice!

Source URL: https://integratedcatholiclife.org/2014/11/deacon-bickerstaff-daily-reflection-living-what-we-believe/

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