by Deacon Michael Bickerstaff | February 13, 2023 12:05 am
“Besides this you know what hour it is, how it is full time now for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed; the night is far gone, the day is at hand. Let us then cast off the works of darkness and put on the armor of light…”
– Romans 13:11-12
In Him all things are possible, without Him nothing matters.
It is only by the grace of God that we have been saved and it is only by His grace that we are able to perform those works He prepared for us beforehand (see Ephesians 2:10). In fact, the very first time our hearts turned toward the Lord was in response to His gracious invitation to us. The Church calls this prevenient grace.
Saint John of the Cross, among other saints, speaks of those moments when our thoughts turn to God, seemingly without any doing on our part. He says that our thinking of God then is not our doing at all, but rather God placing the thought in us… or rather that God is passing close by to us.
We need to understand the power and gift that is God’s grace and embrace it, say yes to it and be led by it. For it is the very love of God for us, operating in our lives. This is what it means to live in Christ.
Sin darkens our spiritual senses and hardens our hearts. The more we choose other than God, the more difficult our way back to God and a purpose-filled and joyful life. God wants so much more for us than we can begin to imagine!
So, if any of the works of darkness remain in any way a part of your life, by His grace, cast them off. Turn yourself over fully in trustful surrender to the Lord Jesus. If you open yourself to Him, He will change your life and bring you to your potential. It’s never too late.
What is God saying to you today? Am I taking the time to spend in prayer with the Lord so that I can better recognize His voice?
Image credit: “King David in Prayer” (detail) Pieter de Grebber [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons[1]
We strive to operate on a very small budget, but we need your help. Both one-time and monthly donations are welcome. Just $10 a month will help cover the cost of operating Integrated Catholic Life for one day! Please help us bring enriching and inspiring Catholic content to readers around the world by giving today. Thank you!
A popular and engaging speaker, Deacon Bickerstaff is available to speak at your parish or event. Be sure to check out his Speaker Page[2] to learn more. Into the Deep is a regular feature of the The Integrated Catholic Life™.
Come and Join me on Twitter!
Please help spread the Gospel. Share this article with family and friends on Facebook and other social media.
Source URL: https://integratedcatholiclife.org/2023/02/deacon-bickerstaff-cast-off-the-darkness/
Copyright ©2024 Integrated Catholic Life™ unless otherwise noted.