WEEK 15: “christ, the center of the world”
Christ is the center of the world for he is our King and our redeemer. We must be an active participant with our faith in Christ and not just an observer.
listen
think
As we go deeper in the understanding of our faith, we come to a conclusion that all of us are sinners. And as we fully grasp this understanding of our imperfections, as St. Peter has said to Christ, “turn away from me O Lord for I am a sinner”. All of us are broken in our hearts and we need Christ to work in us. We cannot idle by and just observe or be at a distance; Christ wants a relationship with us. He doesn’t want us to just know of Him but to be close to Him. As Christ called down Zacchaeus from the tree, Jesus wants us to know Him personally to a point that Christ lives in us.
With this calling to know Christ, that is why we look at saints, holy men and women, and to our friends who are close in Christ. For they have Christ in them and they understand that Jesus is working through them.
We also need to understand that to know Christ we must know His spouse, which is the universal church. In today’s modern world, Christ’s body is divided into factions. People tend to be confused about the understanding and the purpose of the greatest thanksgiving of all time and moment of intimacy with Christ in the Holy Mass. We tend to argue about the external things of the Mass and fail to understand the fullness of its internal beauty. In other words, we must understand that we are not worthy in front of our Lord but yet He desires to be the central anthesis in our hearts.
pray
St. Augustine- Lord Jesus Let Me Know Myself
Lord Jesus, let me know myself and know Thee,
And desire nothing save only Thee.
Let me hate myself and love Thee,
Let me do everything for the sake of Thee.
Let me humble myself and exalt Thee.
Let me think nothing except Thee.
Let me die to myself and live in Thee. Let me accept whatever happens as from Thee.
Let me banish self and follow Thee,
And ever desire to follow Thee.
Let me fly from myself and take refuge in Thee,
That I may deserve to be defended by Thee.
Le me fear for myself, let me fear Thee,
And let me be among those who are chosen by Thee.
Let me distrust myself and put my trust in Thee.
Let me be willing to obey for the sake of Thee.
Let me cling to nothing and save only to Thee,
And let me be poor because of Thee.
Look upon me, that I may love Thee.
Call me that I may see Thee,
And forever enjoy Thee. Amen
Resource
“The Raccolta; prayers and devotions enriched with indulgence” Authorize by The Holy
act
- Are you letting Jesus Christ work in your conscience? Keep Christ as the center of your life and be always aware of Him in every decision and action that you make.
- Come down from the tree like Zacchaeus and let God enter into your home for He is the only person that can bring healing and peace in your heart
- Know our faith for Christ establishes the Roman Catholic Church. We must defend Christ at all times and always hold fast the infinite love and mercy that He gives us.
Meet Isaac, Our Spiritual Guide for these Reflections
My name is Isaac Padriga. I was born in the Philippines and came to the states in 2006. One of my favorite daily activities is practicing filipino martial arts or Eskrima (fencing). It is basically shadow boxing with a stick 🙂 I enjoy the thoughtless flow of motion while performing and executing the various movements . My catholic faith is an important aspect of my life for it is the truth, mystery and guidance that helps me navigate through the ongoing uncertainties and challenges of the secular world. I also have two dogs, one mixed maltipoo/shih tzu, named Molly, and a mixed australian shepherd/labrador, named Copper. And finally, I also like to put two shots of espresso in my lemonade. -_-
Cal Poly Pomona Catholic Newman Club 